Tributes

TRIBUTE BY WIDOW: MRS FAUSTINA APPIAH

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:8

My dear Joe epitomised what the scriptures say about being a husband and a father. Day and night, he worked tirelessly to provide for me and the family He did this not only out of a sense of duty but also out of a passion for his work

M y b e l o v e d h u s b a n d w a s a n embodiment of love, patience, compassion, kindness and empathy. He cared deeply about others and was greatly burdened by their problems. He often empathised with those who were sick and would ask what he would do if he were in their shoes. Driven by his empathy, he would go out of his way to extend his support the best way he could.

I have fond memories of our 40-plus years together. One such memory that gladdens my heart and I will forever c h e r i s h w a s h o w h e u s e d t o affectionately refer to me as “my wife, my wife” That's how he always addressed me when he got home from work. This caused one of our neighbours who had frequent squabbles with his wife to remark, “Appiah! Every day my wife, my wife. I will also address my spouse as such”, and truly he did. As our neighbour did the same with his wife, they stopped their petty quarrels Even when Joe offended me, as soon as he playfully called “my wife, my wife”, I would smile, and we would reconcile. I really loved that about my dear husband and will sorely miss him.

He was such a jovial person; he would tease me anytime I mispronounced a word. He was a teacher to our children and me.

I loved Joe dearly for how deeply he cared for me and was concerned about my well-being. He would happily make warm bath for me. Whenever I was ill, would insist that I go see a doctor. I would refuse until he took me to the hospital himself. As a result, he would n say, “as for you, if I do not onally take you, you will not go anywhere. What will you do if I am not round?”, to which I would reply, “where are you going to?” Little did I know he would leave too soon. I thought we would grow old together and live our best lives in our old age, but God had other plans. “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

I pray that God will give my beloved husband a good place to rest. Agya Appiah, me ma wo nante yie. May God be with you till we meet again!