You’ve been gone a while now, but not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I think about the times we laughed, and our long talks about your life in Ghana, stories about your work and school, how grandma was so proud of you for getting into Achimota School. The bond we shared as mother and son was so precious to me and now that you’re no longer with us, I struggle to understand your sudden departure from this world.

I remember waiting every evening, anticipating the sound of your car pulling onto the driveway, then running to the door to hug you, or sometimes hiding behind the curtain just to try and scare you.

I think about your cooking all the time. The smell of your food filling the house, the effort you put into every meal I reckon even Gordon Ramsay would have been impressed. You could smell each individual spice, and the aroma would fill the living room. Sometimes I could even smell it from my room upstairs when the door opened. And no matter how hard I try, I still cannot recreate the flavours you achieved, especially with your jollof rice. It is like you had a magic touch.

I remember when we made cinnamon rolls that did not quite go to plan because of my mistakes, but we laughed and turned them into cinnamon toast instead. I remember every Christmas dinner, the care you put into making sure everyone enjoyed what was on their plate, even when you were tired. You always made people feel at home.

Thank you mum for your valuable lessons that will continue to guide me throughout my life. You were my best friend, teacher, and my mentor. You taught me so much, not just cooking, but how to treat people, how to carry myself, and how to always try my best. Everything I do now is shaped by you, and I hope I am making you proud, although I know that may not mean becoming a doctor like you might have hoped.

I remember us playing Oware, even though I was not very good. I did not care, I just loved being there with you. I remember telling you the score of my football matches every Saturday, and hearing your “Oh, well done”, especially when I lost.

When I started Year 9 and began my GCSEs, I told you and Dad the good results I got, the 7s and 8s at the start of Year 9, and now the 8s and 9s from Year 10. I still carry that with me, that feeling of wanting to make you proud.

There is a hole in my heart and in our family that nothing can fill or replace, and I would be lying if I said I did not miss you every single day. You nurtured every moment of my life with wisdom, love and care. I wish I could tell you one more time how much I appreciate everything you did for me.

But I know you are still watching over me, still cheering me on, making sure I am doing the right thing. And because of that, every day I wake up and try to be the best person I can be for you and for Dad. I promise to try and get you all the things I said I would, somehow. I love you endlessly, Mum and I always will.

I want you to know that I will forever cherish the memories and moments we shared. Your life was a blessing and your love was a treasure I will hold in my heart forever.

Mum please rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord until we meet again!!