He left a note in his brief case

Dear Obaa Yaa,

When my father died, I was grief-stricken, I could hardly believe it. My other sisters and I were so surprised he didn’t tell us he was ill.

Growing up, my father was a very loving man and made sure his daughters were happy every time.

We were tidying up the room ahead of the one week funeral and found out a note in his bag telling us how he has been fighting silence battle concerning his health.

Obaa Yaa, why did my father not tell any of us that he was sick?

Esinam,

Gbawe.

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Dear Esinam,

I wonder why your father did that. We can only guess the reason, and I believe he wanted to hide it from you so as not to cause you distress, knowing that he was going to die, anyway.

You know, some fathers don’t want their children to share their suffering and pain, especially in cases of terminal illness. That might be your father’s reason.

The most important thing is that you should let bygones be bygones and give him a befitting burial.

This is the time your mother needs you most so try and give her the needed attention and support.

My boss is tormenting me

Dear Obaa Yaa,

I have worked in a private environment in Accra for 10 years now. People talk about how stressful it is to work in a private sector but I did not believe it till I had my fair share of experience working with my new boss.

Recently, our boss was transferred and was replaced by a new boss.

In fact, I am finding it difficult to work with him.

Looking at my age, he talks to me like am a small boy and relates to me like a teacher and his pupil.

Sometimes, I feel like hitting him but it is against the rules of our company.

I currently do not have another employment opportunity. What can I do? I can’t cope with his behaviour anymore.

Joe Boy,

Ashiaman.

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Dear Joe Boy,

I am afraid you’d have to cope with your boss for the meantime. Learn to live with the ‘devil’ until you find a way about it.

Just live up to your responsibility; perform your functions to the best of your knowledge and do not misbehave towards him.

If he sees that you are competent, he would begin to respect you. Remember that respect is earned not demanded.

Obaa Yaa

I am in a state of dilemma

Dear Obaa Yaa,

My name is Owusu and I am 35- years -old while my wife is 30 years. We have been married for five years but been together for seven years. We have two children together and they are doing so well in their academics.

My company had a conference at a hotel in Kumasi and four of us from my department were selected to represent the company.

During lunch, I decided to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery around the hotel since it’s my first time there.

As I strolled around, I was shocked to see my wife step out of a car with a young man. They started walking towards the reception of the hotel. The man placed his arms around her waist and they seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.

I froze and felt bad. I wanted to shout and approach them but when I opened my mouth, no words came out and my feet were too heavy to drag. I just watched them in awe as they checked in at the reception and disappeared from my sight.

I am in my mother’s house now, I do not know how I will face her if I eventually go home. I told her my mom needs help with a few things at the house so I will lend a helping hand and also sleep over. I haven’t told anyone but my mom suspects that something is wrong.

I am down right now, my marriage and home seem to be coming to an end. Please what should I do?

Sakyi, Adenta.

Dear Sakyi,

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I understand how you feel and I plead with you to continue to be patient with your wife.

Please try and go home to have a word with her concerning the incident you saw.

Give her the benefit of doubt to explain what she was exactly doing there at that time with the man.

I am pleading with you to give her a second chance but most importantly, kindly inform her parents about it to talk to her.

You can seek the help of a professional counselor and go for therapies with her.

However, if you are not comfortable staying with her, please part ways with her peacefully. You can co-parent your daughter.