Debbie In Loving Memory In 2012, the loss of Debbie, his only daughter, was an unbearable tragedy. Debbie held a unique place in Papa’s heart as the only child who could stand up to him and who was often used by her brothers to get what they wanted. Her death was a profound and personal loss for Papa, a sorrow he struggled to comprehend and accept. Her passing was the hardest ordeal he had ever faced, and his faith in God was the only thing that helped him cope. William William reflected on how he grew close to his father, Papa, after turning 18, despite not having lived together during his formative years. William lived in Accra with his mother, while Papa served as the Regional Director for the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation in the Volta Region and later in the Ashanti Region. As William grew into adulthood and moved to England, Papa began visiting him. During these visits, they engaged in long conversations where Papa would share snippets of advice. William often teased his father about his distinctive way of saying “no,” delivered with a quick and emphatic “no no no no no.” This drawn-out response made it abundantly clear that the answer was absolute and non-negotiable. One piece of advice that particularly resonated with William was, “Never ask someone for something if you know they’re going to say no.” Papa’s point was that if experience or conversation suggested a refusal, it was better not to ask at all. This approach helped avoid placing someone in an awkward position where they had to decline, thereby preserving the relationship. Papa consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining good relationships and avoiding uncomfortable situations. One key trait William acquired from his father was his punctuality and adherence to routine. Papa was always the first to arrive at work, church, or any social function. “Of course, in a culture like we have in Ghana, this means that Papa was almost always having to wait for others, and this sometimes causes him mild irritation,” William reflected. William also noted how proud Papa was of one particular habit. “My regular attendance at the Friday Morning Service at Ridge Church. I travel a lot, and even when I return home late on a Thursday night, the following day, being a Friday, I still go to church,” William said. “Somehow, someone will inform Papa that they saw me at church, and I would immediately receive a call from him, telling me how proud he is that I made it to church and that God should always be first in my life.” “ One key trait William acquired from his father was his punctuality and adherence to routine 30 The Birthday Journal
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