Tomorrow is not promised. When that season comes, the hands of death pluck blooming flowers from the Tree of life. Away from the source, they wither, their colors draining away.
Cold, grim hands rub the last vein, signaling the end of the blood flow. Death arrives unexpectedly but with certainty, and agony and pain become a daily dose as we drown in sorrow.
My high school experience opened a chapter in my life that carried more than I could have imagined. It introduced me to a soul so unique, so special, that she left an indelible mark on my heart. Her name was Ama, and she was like a shining star on the horizon of my life.
I had known Ama since our primary school days when she attended The Morning Star School with her three brothers. One of them was in a class ahead of me, while she was a class behind. Our paths crossed again during my sixth-form days at Accra Academy School. Ama and I quickly rekindled our friendship, and it didn’t take long for us to form a trio with my best friend, who was a guy. Three might be a crowd, but in our case, it was the most beautiful crowd in the world.
Ama was a ray of sunshine, always cheerful, with a smile that could brighten up the darkest of days. She had a way with words, a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. Our conversations were filled with laughter, and discussions about school, future plans, and life in general. Whenever I parked my car after school to talk with her, I eagerly anticipated our conversations. Ama had a magnetic personality, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to her.
She wasn’t just a best friend; she was a confidant, a defender of my honor in public and a stern but loving critic in private. Ama believed in honesty, in being direct and truthful, qualities that drew me closer to her. Despite the two-year age difference, she possessed a level of maturity that I admired. Time passed, and as we approached the end of high school, we began discussing our plans for tertiary education.
Our dreams were set on the United States of America, a land of endless opportunities. We knew the importance of education and the potential for growth and development in the USA. Our decision was a promise to each other, but the real challenge lay ahead – convincing our parents and securing visas.
The teenage years are a rollercoaster of experiences, and just as I had a crush, my best friend developed feelings for Ama. I played the role of a mediator, offering advice and comfort when needed. I couldn’t blame him; Ama was an angel with a smile that could melt anyone’s heart. She had the most beautiful dimples, which she used to her advantage when asking for favors. Ama had a unique power to enchant in a respectful manner.
My twenty-first birthday arrived, and I had initially planned for a quiet day. However, Ama, my right hand and best friend, insisted on celebrating it. She meticulously planned a small gathering with close friends at Kokrobite Beach. Ama’s attention to detail and infectious enthusiasm made the day unforgettable. Her smile was my greatest weakness, and I couldn’t resist her determination. Ama’s ability to make everything simple and special was a testament to her unique personality.
As evening approached, I had Ama safely back on her porch, where our routine conversations continued late into the night. I cherished these moments and promised to make her proud of my future achievements.
But then, tragedy struck. I received the news that Ama had passed away in her sleep due to a sudden crisis. The shock and grief overwhelmed me. I couldn’t believe that my best friend, my guiding star, was gone. It was a painful reality I had never experienced before.
Ama’s funeral was a heart-wrenching experience. I couldn’t bring myself to pay my last respects to her. The thought of her being lowered into the ground was too much to bear. My tears flowed uncontrollably, and I felt like a part of me had died with her.
In the years that followed, I couldn’t forget Ama. Her memory was a constant source of inspiration. I made a promise to her that I would make something positive out of my life, something that would honor her legacy. That promise led to the creation of The Mental Catalyst (TMC), a project dedicated to helping people achieve their goals, dreams, and self-mastery. Ama’s spirit lived on through TMC, as her values of positivity, love, and determination became its guiding principles.
Reconnecting with Ama’s family filled me with a sense of closure and warmth. I felt her presence through them, and I knew she was still watching over me from above.
Ama, my dear friend, you may be gone, but you will forever be in my heart. You were my guiding star, my confidant, and my inspiration. In your memory, I will continue to make a difference in the world, just as you would have wanted. Death may have taken you from me, but your spirit lives on in everything I do.
