My Best Friend

My best friend KK passed away Friday 20 July. The world stood still for 5 minutes... I was stunned and devastated! I was literally immobile for 5 minutes.. I froze like an artist had captured me in a painting. We knew his time was drawing near as he was hardly responding to the treatment he was undergoing but when the phone call came, it still came as a shock. For a few minutes, I had flashbacks of when we first met till the last time we spoke when he was about to leave for his next treatment at Kings College hospital in London.

It is amazing how I remember each conversation, what I said or he said... everything is literally in my 'database'. There were a group of us, actually 8 (and sometimes 9) in all who used to hang out in the old neighbourhood during our teenage years but within the group of nine, there was another inner circle, the trio as I fondly called us. Over the years, the trio kept in contact with one another but after '91 it was just KK and I who knew where I was and I where he was etc. The other member of our trio, Keli just got lost; well we knew where he was living, but the communication had dwindled.

We were all building up our careers at the time so it was understandable. One would get the occasional update on how the other member Keli was doing and we were so proud of his achievements. So the trio became a duo and that was how it was until a week and a half ago, when I googled Keli (for fun), and was able to obtain an email address.

Gosh talk about catching up, and all we could IM and email about was KK, how we didn't want to lose him, how we were praying he would recover, the old days when we used to go strolling around the neighbourhood and talk at length about some topic or the other... I told Keli about some of the funny things KK and I used to talk about from the old days and he was amazed that we still remembered some of those crazy things... sweet memories of our childhood and teenage years. Found some old pictures the other day of when my son was being christened and KK had proudly accepted my request of being God Father. He looked so handsome, almost regal in his suit. Funnily enough, it was the first time I or any of the 'gang' had seen him wear a suit and did he look good. I remember we teased him the entire time as we all knew him for his casual attire. He and my son were such good pals and now he too has lost a good friend.

It has been great getting in touch with Keli because we have been supporting each other during this difficult time. We have lost our best friend but as a result of his passing, he has brought us back together.

Rest in peace KK... we will always love you. Till we meet again!

Keeping it Real

Hi everyone!
This is an important time for us in Ghana as the political parties are gearing up for the 2008 elections. It is evident that there is a new breeze blowing over the political divide and new players are definitely going to emerge, some whom have declared their stance for the presidential race and others yet to surface.

Interestingly because I live in Ghana, I have been hearing and reading about potential candidates but a couple of days on the internet, I stumbled upon 2 websites that have shown evidence of serious work being done over the internet for this new presidential aspirant. For me it is reminiscent of how the two US Democrat presidential aspirants are using the internet to raise funds etc. Ironically, not much has been heard about this candidate's aspirations at home though there have been a few whispers here and there. Oh and I remember an angry regional chairman who called in to a radio breakfast show and was livid that this same candidate was wearing the colours of 2 parties but had a secret agenda of starting his own party.

Well I wish him and all the other aspirants luck. As usual, let me hear your views on this one...

Africa as One!

Hi,

I guess you all heard about the just ended AU summit (African Union). There were 2 factions, those who wanted an immediate grouping as one and those who wanted a gradual move towards a united Africa. I have my reservations about doing this hurriedly so I am going for the gradual approach... after all the African Peer Review mechanism was set up not too long ago so we still have a lot of work to do in our individual countries.

Would like to throw this out to you... what are your views about a united Africa and how should we progress.. Would particularly love to hear from those of you out there in the diaspora (gosh I hate that word)..

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

M.

Turning 40

Hello all,

I know this is going to be a challenge for some of you but I would like to know what is has been like for you out there turning 40. Don't mind if you are in your mid forties or you just turned 40 today, just share with us what is was like, what you have achieved so far, and what you hope to achieve, experience etc. before hitting 50!

Do tell us any changes re: health, work, family... do not leave anything out!

Hope to hear from you out there soon..

M.