Dear Grandpa, Reverend, my namesake,

Every time your name was mentioned, I would be constantly reminded about how great of a man you were. I can only aspire to be half the man you were!

I remember when I first came to Ghana, I stayed at your place with mum and I went outside to do yard work on the side of the house. Unfortunately, some boys started making fun of me as I raked outside, but you came to calm me down. You laughed and deescalated the situation, and I will always remember how cared for I felt in your arms. You and Grandma Miriam taught me so many things when I first went to Ghana, and I will always remember how much mum enjoyed your presence. That made me feel so much at home.

I will always be thankful for how you and Grandma raised, my mom, Elizabeth (one of my favorite people in the world); I have made it a habit since young to adopt her calm nature. I can only thank you and grandma for this and, above all, for your character, which was more than exemplary.

Being able to see you again this past January was beyond amazing, and I will be forever grateful to God for the chance to stay at your house and talk with you about your past life, aspirations as a young man, fears while navigating life, and multiple advice and lessons you passed on to me.

I could only smile when I learned we both played the right wing in football and shared much more in common than just our name! You reminded me to constantly pray to God throughout each day, not only about fears we have, but also to thank Him and show our gratitude.

Your sudden death shook me as I had just seen you walk, smile, and sing with me and the family in Ofankor. But as you would say,
God is in control.

I love you Grandpa and cannot wait to see you again.