Features
Monsieur’s daughter – (Part 1)
From the first day he reported for duty as French tutor, David Essel, a French-German graduate, made a huge impact on life in and around the Aboso Senior High School.
And the school made a life-changing impact on him. At first, the students took the enthusiasm with which he introduced French greetings, rhythms and catch phrases as funny.
But he quickly pointed it out that by taking French seriously, they would only be taking their very lives seriously. Ghana, he stated, was surrounded by French speaking countries whose citizens continuously flocked here to seek employment and business opportunities, yet Ghanaians hardly even knew those countries, mainly because they cannot speak French.
It was time to reverse the trend before they swallowed us up. And by learning at least another foreign language, they would become true, global citizens. Anyone who missed such realities would regret it badly in future. Moreover, he said, French was an enjoyable language, and he would prove it to them.
Within a few months, French had become the most popular language. Even students who were not offering French were taking it seriously. Apart from earning the respect of students and teaching colleagues, Monsieur David had quite a few lady admirers in the big town.
One of them, Gladys Asiama, a home science teacher, decided to beat the competition by making a ‘direct assault’. She wrote him a note asking to meet him to discuss translations of some popular French dishes. And when David obliged by going over to offer his generous assistance, she gently provided some well-prepared dishes.
Before the end of the year, she had completely won him over, to the annoyance of many girls. Gladys was certainly good looking, but later in the day, David wondered to himself how he got so completely run over by her.
They courted for some six months, during which they spent most evenings together, cooking and eating, going over homework a preparations for the following days’ classes. For David, ‘Gee’ was the beautiful, dutiful and practical partner he had always wanted in a life partner.
She was a good planner, who thought well ahead. And on her part, David was a far cry from the romantic but idealistic Simon, with whom she had enjoyed a three-year whirlwind romance, but who had travelled the US for a three-month training course but had stayed for over three years without a letter or telephone call.
Apart from being serious with his work, David was focused on improving himself, and had promised to support every business initiative she made. He was earning some income from writing articles in French, and was preparing to write a novel in French.
Although they wanted to have a modest wedding, their colleagues, students and parents and the folks of Aboso made sure it was a memorable affair. Gee got pregnant with their first child, and even though she was generally in sound health, David went the extra mile to make sure she was comfortable. Around the time of the pregnancy, Gee pleaded with him to allow her to spend weekends with her parents at Kubeasi, and he reluctantly agreed.
But for most of the pregnancy, she had it smooth sailing, and Sarah was born without hitch. There was no shortage of people to help with her care, and Gee resumed work. Their marriage, to all intents and purposes, had gotten off to a good start. One morning, however, one of their female colleagues walked into his class and asked him to find some fifteen minutes to meet her for some very vital information. Sometime before the close of day, he met her at the school park.
“I’m sure you will misjudge my motive for giving you this information, but I want you to know that I am not a liar, and I certainly won’t lie about such an issue.”
“Don’t worry, Adoma. I know you are a lady of principle. I’m sorry our relationship ended rather, er, abruptly. Indeed, I will admit that I wasn’t in control of things. But that’s not why you asked to meet me. Please go ahead.”
“Well, I’m afraid it’s not pleasant. Some months ago, a friend of mine who knew that I had been seeing you, came to tell me that one Simon, a former boyfriend of your wife, was back in town, and had been spending time with her at the Nananom Guest House.
This happened on quite a few occasions. I couldn’t tell you then, because even if it was proven to be true, people would accuse me of breaking up a marriage. But last week, something happened, again. Your wife left school to meet with him, twice.
My friend says that a woman who works at the Guest House called Mansa is prepared to confirm this, because she is disgusted by your wife’s behaviour. That is all. But I will be grateful if you could leave my name out of this, whatever action you decide to take.”
“This is so kind of you, Adoma. You know, one thing I’ve always feared in life is treachery. I experienced it at close hand in my family, and I hoped to avoid it. Don’t worry. I will make some enquiries, and take decisive action. I’m so grateful. If I may ask, can you forgive me for what happened?”
“I never held anything against you. So in that sense you can say we are still friends.”
“Okay. Then let’s meet for a drink one of these days.”
David got home as she was tucking Sarah into bed.
“Welcome sweetheart. You are late.”
“Yes, I had to make a couple of contacts. Is she okay?”
“Very much so. Your food is in the oven.”
“Actually, I wanted us to have a short discussion first. When you have a minute.”
“I’m ready.” She moved to sit right next to him and smiled.
“Last week Tuesday and Wednesday, you went out of school. You didn’t tell me, surprisingly. Where did you go?”
“I’m sorry. I think I went to buy some materials for the cookery classes.”
“Gee, take a moment to think, and answer me. Where did you go?”
“Ah, where is this coming from? I told you that I went to buy materials.”
“Did you buy them at Nananom Guest House?”
“I think I passed there briefly.”
“On both days? To see Simon? For sex? Apparently, this has been going on for some time? So you, a married, nursing mother, is also having sex with another man?”
‘Look, David, you are just sitting there and hurling unsubstantiated allegations against me. You can’t insult me, eh?”
“Unsubstantiated allegations? I can certainly substantiate them. And I must tell you. I will not stay in a marriage, not for one day, with a treacherous wife.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
