was brilliant, really aspired, and earned a place in one of the best universities in the UK. His parents and siblings also have a lot to say about him. Kwaku, as they fondly call him, knew how to make them laugh, is competitive, kind, inspiring, caring, and passionate. They even tell of howhe is a high achiever, disciplined, considerate, respectful, persistent, honest, funny, confident, hardworking, and solution-oriented. Of course the toast cannot end without an allusion to Theo’s giving nature, how he would dress up as Santa every Christmas and pass gifts around, or for that matter, his love for dancing. As they end the toast, three loud cheers are raised in Theo’s honor, as the food, small chops and drinks begin to flow. And then of course the nice Gelato ice cream stand. With each ‘fans’ that his family ‘blow’ him, the big crowd of guests do a wild cheer. The evening’s highlights included the presence of Theo’s brother George who had flown in from the UK, a heartfelt message from his son TJ who couldn’t attend, the lively Samba dancers, a captivating performance by Kwabena Kwabena. Amomentarily distraught Mono recounts a minor mishap involving Theo’s birthday cake, which took a tumble but was fortunately salvageable. Yet, given the overall joyous atmosphere, it’s doubtful that anything could have truly dampened Theo’s spirits at his party. After this, the guests and hosts launch into a karaoke display; a mixture of professional and amateur-like voices renting the air, as they sing along to the DJ’s collection of the eighties disco songs. You may wonder where birthday boy is. Where else, but on the dance floor, holding up one leg and hopping on the other, backsliding and front sliding, doing a waltz here, and a waltz there, holding his hands up to his head, and then, his stomach, as if he is in pain, boxing his hands in the air as he sways from side to side. Whatever music the DJ plays, birthday boy has a step for it. For those trying to compete with him on the dance floor, watch out! While you may get home with loads of pain and aches, he would head straight for bed, and delve right into a dancing dream. 9 The Birthday Journal
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