I remember you with a smile because of the many childhood memories *with a trade mark of LAUGHTER* 🙂...and 17th Jan will always remain in my memory as your birthday 🙂 - you've been in my life for over 20 years!

@the Queen's Hall Dining Hall, KNUST

As we both grow older into the women God has destined us to be, i look back with gratitude to God for how far He has brought us...from 'and that was all' with Patrick, to Mr. Menla Choir days, to back-seat adventures in Class 6, to fun times in Mr. Owuo's class, to 'being a thorn in the flesh' to many of our classmates ('everything Birgitta!'), to giggling endlessly in class, to 'Sakora Maame Waakye' escapades, etc etc (you should see the wide smile on my face now...lol)....I thank God for a friend in you.

Here's to many more birthdays, joy in the Lord, peace, love and righteousness, and the lifting up of our heads by God! Happy Birthday, Aba! 🙂....Here's a picture of you when you came to KNUST for "Intellecto 2008"- I'm glad i got to be your hostess 🙂. God bless you and keep you....May He cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you....AMEN!

Love always,

Juliet.

**Written on 18th January, 2013**

My very good friend, Aba Essien. A friend from our early years in St. Anthony's Primary School, Odorkor. She attended the Methodist Church and we were together in the School Choir. She was my sitting mate for some years too. We've been in touch, but we don't have a picture together yet - we'll do well to take one soon, God willing. She's one of the people I'm not frequently in touch with, but one with whom I can pick up a connection with no matter how long apart we've been. Thinking of her, I realize that it's never too early to have a good friend. May the Lord bless our children, nieces, nephews, etc with great and meaningful friendships, even from childhood. Amen!