Dear Grandpa,

As your first granddaughter, every 30th of May will bring back memories of you because we shared the same birthday. You would call and wish me “a happy birthday” over the phone and share scripture with me year after year. Not forgetting the gifts you shower me with. Who will call me in the early hours of my birthday and wish me? Who will throw a family party to celebrate us now that you are no more? Your presence at GHAMSU programs during Kabuteys’ tenure as GHAMSU president inspired him and many others to seek God at all times. Your demise on his birthday will continue to be a reminder of his aspirations to follow in your footsteps to become a minister of the Gospel in the near future. Your namesake Joshua Agyei Gyamfi has the fondest memory of you. Coming to Ghana for the first time and staying in your home was a memorable one. Your calm nature was one of a kind. He is thankful for how well you raised his mom. Her calm nature is one he intends to adopt. Once, he stepped out to do yard work on the outside of the house and some boys made fun of him as he raked. You came to calm him down. Beams of smile filled his face when in the course of your conversation on past life and aspirations as a young man, he got to know that you both played at the right wing of football and shared much more in common than just the name. Your constant reminder to us to pray throughout each day to God not only about our fears but to thank him will stay with us.

The day you gifted Kabutetteh his first refracting telescope marked a stepping stone in his career and interest towards the future and for that he is grateful. Immanuel’s questions remain unanswered because you are not here but he is certain your wisdom has travelled to many others. Simi, Shola and Gigi will always remember you for the hymns you sung for them when they visited and when you would ask them to read scripture and question them on it. You have been the best Grandpa in the whole wide world to Siatta, Gracy and Emoly. Not forgetting all the biscuits and drinks you gifted them when they came visiting. Together, we say thank you for all the advice you gave us and the role you played in our lives. We have always enjoyed your company.

We were heart broken when we heard of your demise but we know you are in a better place. We will miss you but we are glad you are getting your eternal rest with our creator. We love you and cannot wait to meet you again. Goodbye.