IN MEMORY OF GRANDMA

Death is a distant rumor to the young.

Andrew A. Rooney

Granny Rebecca Oboshie Torgbor I was for me the only grandma I knew. She is the pillar of my Ga roots and perhaps why I speak the Ga language much better than my home language Anlo. A mother tongue is really a mother tongue. And in case you wonder about my indepth knowledge of Ga culture and customs, La traditions and history, I did not study them from books, but orally educated by my last grandma. Yes I share equal lineages of Anlo and Ga.

Mostly referred to as Aunty Oboshie by all, by age seven, I found it a daunting task to call granny by this name and thus chose to call her Antio or Tio. Due to the love and affection she had for all her grand children, for which I am the eldest grandson, this new name was reserved for only the grand children. But as fate would have it, grandma affection for her grandchildren was observed by all, and so a decade later, the name Antio had taken over her identity.

Antio, was not just the granny spoils grandchildren, but since she was made a grandmother, she had built her life around her grandchildren. She was never hesitant in showing the joy she derived from her grandchildren. I personally enjoyed a special relationship with grandma and this was summed up in eating three out of five balls of Kenkey she had personally prepared at age 80, a day before her final departure.

Make no mistake, for not only was granny a good cook (she introduced fu:fu: with okro stew back in the days to La Klanna which I witnessed, and also reputed to have cooked for sale one of the very best Kenkey ever to be sold in La), but granny's knowledge of herbs was unmatched. Her most potent herbal preparation was the Anti-Malaria, which works faster than 4 4 2. She was also good in getting herbs for skin problems especially boils and rashes. Yes, Antio was my first aid though sometimes the herbs were too bitter if you had to drink.

Granny, about two decades ago, you joined the La Baptist Church after your health could not take you far. In going, show took along two children and two grandchildren, an indication of your love for the word of God. Though I may not be a good singer, the words of your favourite Baptist Hymn: TELL IT TO JESUS, Baptist Hymn 347 would forever linger in my heart.

Antio, you were an example of a real woman, very hard working and yet humble. However, your humility could not be taken for granted for you were never afraid to speak the truth and defend the course of justice. You could easily tell people in their faces what your thoughts were daring the consequences. Antio, as the above quote tells me, I cannot fathom your departure, for my mind is still young, and i would still need your herbs.

But it was me, who sat in the Doctor's room that Sunday dawn when he asked if i knew what had happened. Of course I knew, some 20 minutes ago, you had spoken, just sick, and I had brought you for medical attention. So I knew, you were sick and needed attention. But alas he said something different: "She's gone, sorry". What? I rushed you to the Police hospital for a second opinion but it was the same. And then I took you to the morgue. Granny, even at death, I was by your side. Your wish for a peaceful and quiet death came true. You were really called by your Maker for eternal service. As you embark on this Celestial call, its a journey of peace and quiet. Do not forget your most beloved: your children and grandchildren. Let the mercies of your life be prtective of us.

Surely, we shall forever miss you. Fare thee well.

ANTIO! NA D3 NYUIE!

ANTIO! REST IN PEACE!!

ANTIO! YAA WO OJOGBANN!!!

ANTIO! YAA WO Y3 HEJOL3 MLI!!!!