“One life", “Pura Vida", “Party, Party, Party!”, “Have passport will travel”, “Great expectations”. How can I begin to explain the stories behind these phrases? I remember as a child that the adults would be excitedly saying ‘ko s’arugbo ni Ghana’ (meaning there are no old people in Ghana) and this lady would emerge bearing gifts from some faraway place called Ghana. How true- even at 76 years old you did not look a day older than 30! We connected and I got to know and love you when you moved to London in the 1990s. The journey we shared through my difficult pregnancies and then the birth and the growth of my two beautiful children with your strong support. I am sure in their subconscious they still remember those stressful baby baths, which included exercise, moulding of their body parts etc. and left then exhausted so they will sleep all night. It breaks my heart to go on without you! Aunty Joke I remember the tenderness of weeks we spent in Costa Rica watching the amazing sun rise, you told me your life story – I wish I had written it down so I could share the story of a great woman with your other loved ones. I remember the difficult early days without your father, then the self-sacrifice you made in your student days, the broken promises and still you emerged as a loving, patient, resilient and caring person who put others first. The stories of kindness I have heard in the last few weeks, the good you have done with the little you had! Forgive me for ever telling you off for being selfless and sharing all that you were given. The jokes and the laughter we shared! You were you resourceful ? You even got yourself an upgrade and us a bottle of champagne by fainting on the plane. Goodbye Aunty. I wished you had waited for us that morning of the 19th when we were called in urgently to the Royal London – I could have held your hand as you transitioned. My only consolation was that you had a room with beautiful a view. Your friendship was an inspiration, your love a blessing. You loved people and laughter and had a kindly word for each. You died beloved by all, in that room with a view! God loves you and has called you from among us to a home of eternal rest. You are now with the other beautiful and special strong women in my life, my Mother and Aunty Oye. You will always be in my heart, my memories and our lives. Good night my Aunty, my friend, my confidante! E Sun re Efun Johnson, London