I did not know my cousin Marlon during my early years, because he left the shores of Ghana to the UK when I was a child. After the completion of my University education, I visited the UK for a 3 month holiday in March 2002 and that was when I met my cousin. We instantly formed a very strong bond and time was of no essence, as it did not feel like we had lost so many years.
We got on very well and from then on my relationship with my cousin was catapulted into another level. When it was about time for me to return to Ghana, I informed my cousin of my planned departure and he convinced me to stay. He promised to help me get a job and true to his word he did just that. After a few months of working with my cousin, I decided to stay in London and from then on, our relationship blossomed. It felt as if I had known him much longer, we spent so much time together and had so much fun in each other’s company.
I remember the times we would go out and decide that we will have to spend five hundred pounds in one night, before going home. We would move from place to place throughout the night, just to ensure that we accomplished this feat. We also embarked on crazy journeys, one of which was when we decided to eat Chinese food one evening. Irrespective of the fact that there were lots of Chinese restaurants in London within a one mile radius, we decided to embark on a three-hour journey to Bournemouth just to eat Chinese food, and then drive three hours back to London. You took me to the Lyceum Theatre to watch Lion King. I could go on and on about the fun times we had, but this has to end somewhere………..
I am grateful for the major role you played in my life, dear cousin. You helped me settle into life in the UK and I would be forever grateful to you. All I have left is the memories we shared, which I’ll forever cherish and keep with me. In one moment, you went from being a person to becoming a memory. You are a memory I will treasure forever.
Go home brother! Go home to a great welcome!! Go home to rest!!!
