We learnt closeness and togetherness observing our mother and her only sister. Our mother called her Sister, and so did we. Towards the end, I would sometimes refer to her with my cousin as my "Arte" (Etei).
With the passing of our mother, Sister took us under her wings. Even before our mother's death when she was incapacitated, it was Sister who filled the gap and stood in when "Mansa Madina" our sister's mother-in-law passed away. There was nothing Sister did not do for us from our childhood right up till she drew her last breath.
Sister, the Friday we got the call that you were no more, we felt numb; the only mother we had left is no more.
Sister, I know you are with your loved ones now;
Sister, you will be sorely missed;
Sister, xede nyuie, Mawu ne kplo wo do, dordor ne nyo.
Sekyi, Mama, Baby, Mansa, Togbi and Chief.