Year 29

It's 6:30am while I'm writing this on my 29th birthday. As a tradition since I was younger, the first person I call when I wake up on my birthday is my mom. We have been doing this since I came to the United States when I was 10 and we get on the phone and talk about my birthday and either she prays for me on the phone or tells me how much she has prayed for me in the last couple of hours and she never lies. Ghana is 5 hours ahead of us but no matter what she's doing she straightaway picks up the phone. This time she jokingly said I would need to get married next year when I'm age 30 and she may not be wrong but that is a story for another day. One thing my mom hates is my traveling and is always concerned when I go to all these countries but the funny thing is she's the most happiest when I send her all my pictures and praises how beautiful they are.

These days I reflect on things and just how much God has done and given me. I look back on where I was a year ago when I wrote my year 28 post and a lot has changed but through the ups and downs God is always good. I want to talk about patience a little and being calm. I was helping one of my co-workers yesterday with her PC troubles and she asked me a funny question, "Are you on Lexapro or something?". I quickly laughed and denied but what she said stood out. "Here I am going crazy because I'm having trouble with my computer screen and you're here calm about it like there's nothing wrong". My response was "Someone has to stay calm when you're going crazy, we can't both be going crazy". For those who don't know Lexapro is a psychiatric medication prescribed for depression and anxiety. I have never been diagnosed with any mental health conditions and have never taken any psychiatric medications but working in the mental health field a lot of my co workers have and a lot see counselors, psychiatrists and are on these medications.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this of course and I even applaud those who do because mental health is real especially in this crazy world but the only person who keeps me grounded day in and out is God. People always talk about my calmness and patience and even though it may look easy, it is something I pray to God for daily. His love, grace and favor is always sufficient. I just want to thank him for everything he continues to do for this 29 year old and as I write this it has been a year since I lost a loved one Linda. Linda passed away exactly a year ago around this time and I plan to go to her grave today to spend some time with her and my brother Kelechi. They're buried in the same place which makes it easy for me to spend time with both but making it to another year is something I never do alone. Love to all my family and friends for their continued support and prayers. May we be here next year with more stories and more gratitude. God bless.