Soo many precious memories, trying to put into words. My dearest Auntie, I thank God for the privilege to not only have known you but the fact that we were related. You have always been about family first, prioritizing us first and foremost, every single time.  I learnt soo much from you. Oh you truly knew how to love. You would celebrate us all without discrimination when we made a mark. I will always remember the wonderful times I spent with you, the wonderful sleepovers at pantang, wearing our matching outfits, and even our trip to the former prime minister's (Churchills) house back in United Kingdom (I learnt some British history from you), your constant encouragement.  I will forever cherish those moments with you. You were and are still loved.

TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE CONSTA FROM SYLVIA ADJOKATSE

Dearest Auntie, I keep asking myself if you are truly gone. How can it be that I will no longer see you or hear from you again? It is so hard to come to terms with.

You played such a vital role in the family as a pillar of motherhood for all. You raised so many and inspired in me strength, integrity, hard work, independence and attaining higher heights. I have sweet recollections of the time with you at Pantang where you would fiercely protect, provide and ensure that we always had the best. Auntie, you always placed others ahead of you. Even when you had very little, you knew how to share. Your ‘bigness’ of heart is unrivalled!

Your caring, sweet spirit and generous heart are unmatched. You are an example of self-sacrifice, love and compassion to all who knew you. I enjoyed spending time with you and hearing of all the stories of your past and the humor that you always presented them with. I was always intrigued by your candidness and how your heart was always open to all.

Even when you were growing physically weak, you exhibited so much strength and brilliance from within. I recall that every time I accompanied you for a hospital check-up, you quickly corrected your physicaians if they mis-stated a fact. Even some of the things that I forgot, you recollected to the letter. That always put a smile on my face. They immediately realized that they were dealing with an exceptionally brilliant ‘old lady’ and wondered if you were ill at all. Your response was always that you wanted to regain your youthful strength. Indeed you were always youthful at heart.

You did not hesitate to let me know how proud you were of me and each of your nieces and nephew and if someone was in a difficult situation your first action was to try to help. I cherish every moment ever spent with you and wish that it could have even be more. I miss your warm smile and your welcoming spirit. All I can say is Thank God for giving you to me as a truly special Aunt.

As is recorded in scripture, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:14. Thank God that you are in a better place where no ills or bodily restraints can hold you back. You are free from it all and I know that you are with our Maker in that specially prepared and blessed abode. You fought a good fight of faith and you have won the race. You left behind a legacy that will be read through many generations.

You are dearly loved. Rest in Peace dear Auntie. Your “sylly girl” truly misses you.

Sylvia

TRIBUTE BY THE DORCAS FAMILY TO MADAM CONSTANCIA KALEDZI

“When the day of toil is done When the race of life is run Father grant thy wearied one Rest for evermore

Madam Constancia Kaledzi whom we affectionately called Ameyo Segbedzi, was one of the early members of the Dorcas Family (in fact she was the first of the second batch of entrants). She easily got adapted to the Dorcas family and having fully embraced our objectives, she was heartily involved in all aspects of our activities. Whenever her duty (as a nursing officer) coincided with that of Dorcas family activities, she would keep us informed and whatever is to be done, she wouldn’t fail to do so. Where it became necessary for her to follow us later, she made sure she caught up with us.

Madam Constancia got the name “Ameyo Segbedzi” at one of our fellowship meetings when we were discussing the truancy of the younger ones, especially those of our land. She then recalled the nostalgia of the virtues of the Anlo State which was then diminishing. She further recited the famous advice of the late Togbui Sri II, which was written in form of a poem. She recited this lengthy poem with ease (without any pause) to the admiration of us all. We all applauded her and thus conferred on her the name, ‘Ameyo Segbedzi’. She being a Saturday born, and ‘Segbedzi’ a phrase in the poem.

Ameyo Segbedzi enjoyed her membership of the Dorcas family. When she relocated to Community 18, we made regular visits to her as individuals and as a group. Since she was a December born, our December meetings were held at her place. She was always excited at those meetings. Even when she was indisposed, we would organize impromptu visits to her as a group or as individuals, the telephone calls were also on same basis. Her joy was always profound on these occasions. This has been so until her home call.

Ameyo Segbedzi, continue to ‘catch the glee’ with the Saints above till the Resurrection Day.

FARE THEE WELL!!! AMEN

This is in Loving Memory of our dear Mother

We always knew this day will come, but it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. How do we start? How do you compress almost 80 years of a lifetime unto a page? How do we write a tribute when the reality hasn't sunk in yet? How, when we still get reminders on our phones every two days to call you? Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. The passing of time hasn’t made it easier.

It was only 4 days after your daughter left you. Were you in a hurry? You could’ve waited another couple of months for your Grandchildren to see you. Out and about in the morning, gone in the afternoon. You left without a goodbye. When Gifty asked how you’ll like your funeral arranged, little did we know that, we will be called upon a few days after.

We had just buried and were still mourning your dear sister. Little did we know “our own house was on fire”. We never had the chance to change out of our black clothes. When Gifty went to church that faithful day, almost every church member wanted to know how you were doing. Especially after losing your sister. We know how much you love to hear that the Sureway church members still remember you and ask of you. It would’ve been a nice way to cheer you up.

When the call came on that day, we all felt something wasn’t right. We all grabbed our dear ones to come and sit next to us for support. The feeling of heaviness and the weight of sadness could be felt on the other end of the phone. The only words we could remember were “she’s already in the mortuary”. Darkness had already filled the sky. We had questions but the words won’t come out.

Daa Consta, you gave up everything to make sure that we your children wanted for nothing. The things we took for granted were because you made it possible for us to have all those things. You gave us life, a childhood filled with laughter and happiness whilst you toiled. And for that, we are forever grateful. God made a wonderful Mother for us. The constant presence in our lives who always managed a smile even when she found things hard.

You will always try to break into a song for your grandchildren even when you didn’t know the words. You will always say “I may sometimes forget the words, but I always remember the tune.” And then we will all sing together.

Mum, you were the strongest, caring and most devoted woman we know. Throughout your professional life, motherhood and Christian fellowship, you always showed exemplary attitude and character. You always knew how to keep a family together and gave everyone the opportunity to make something of themselves. You were always welcoming to everyone that came and asked for your help.

Going through all the hardship and strife to hold onto a baby born in 1983 during the hunger crisis when you could’ve just taken the easier way has always been a source of pride. Even when you didn’t have the means, you made sure that we your children and every relation that came to stay with us had the best education available and always looked presentable.

Mum, your devotion to us and your grandchildren, our early childhood years photos showing us beautifully dressed, giving us the best international school and so on, are very fond memories. You fought hard while raising us as single parent, you did business across the Togo-Ghana border and even farmed to supplement your income, so we never lacked anything.

We didn’t always take what you offered, but you made sure it was available to us if needed. From using your nursing uniform material to sow us some Christmas clothes, to carrying medication on your back all the way to Bleamezado to make sure that children were being saved from Malaria and being immunized, you showed love and compassion.

You always held our hands through the good times and the tough times. You touched our heart in so many ways. Our hearts are aching, but Heaven is one Star Brighter for Precious in the eyes of God is the death of a Godly one. We are comforted knowing your destination and the certainty that YOU ARE NOW PAIN-FREE!

WE have lost our feistiest protector, first love and confidant. Our children and grandchildren will know of you, your deeds and how you touched our lives. Your name will forever ring true with love and admiration.

We are consoled by the words that:

The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18.

The righteous perish and is taken away from the evil to enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds … Is 57:2

We do not mourn as those without hope. 1 Thes 4:13-14

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor 5:1

Mum, you have toiled, you have suffered and deserve the Best only God can give.

As the angels look down, the Lord is lighting your path to eternal glory. Mum, you will suffer no more, because where you’re going, there is only joy, peace and good health in abundance. So Mum, wear your well-deserved crown with pride. Sleep Well, Rest Eternal is yours.

There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. I will forever love you. God be with you till we meet again.

Dɔ alɔ nyuie nye lͻlͻtͻ, dͻlͻ na dzudzͻ!

Dzidzɔ lɛ ŋutifafa mɛ . Mawu nanɔ anyi kpliwo miagakpe