dear Diary #4

"PEEKABOO", I SEE YOU...NOT?

Dear diary,

Imagine this: You’re playing a game of “peekaboo” with your child (or younger sibling), you reveal your face and your child (or younger sibling) is nowhere to be found. If you have gotten a sense of the helplessness and anxiety associated with this scenario, let’s proceed into this entry.

Today we’re talking about appreciation and honor. In the past year (2020) and this new one (2021) we have seen the departure of great men and women, loved ones in the wake of this pandemic. It’s disheartening and painful.

My condolences to anyone who has lost someone…I’m so sorry for your loss. Please take heart.

As I scrolled through my Instagram feed, my eyes couldn't help but notice the different posts, made in an attempt to appreciate and honor some departed ones. A thought struck me: What is the reason behind these posts? Is it really to honor them? If so, how are they going to know?? I mean, the dead will not see, and their families probably never will…so why do we do this?

A few months ago when H.E. Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (may he rest in peace) passed on, I was among the many who made posts to mourn him virtually. The question still remains, why?

Because in all honesty, I did nothing to show my appreciation for his contribution to Ghana my country, while he was still breathing. If we cannot appreciate and celebrate people while they live, the effort becomes futile when they enter eternity.

So, here’s the conclusion: Life is like a spooky “peekaboo” game, one minute someone is here, the next minute they’re not.

' "PEEKABOO", I SEE YOU...NOT?'

Let us appreciate and celebrate the lives of people while they’re still here. Say “I love you”, “I appreciate you”, “You’re amazing, thank you for all you do”, “Thank you for impacting my life”, to those we need to. Do it as often as you can, not only during weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or even while they lay in a casket.

Should we make social media posts to mourn people who were important or of some value to us?? Absolutely, no problem with that. But, let's be mindful to honor them while they still live. Otherwise, our posts will inadvertently express possible self-centeredness.

"Learn to give FLOWERS while people are still living, the dead have no need for them."

- Joel Osteen