It's been an incredible journey so far; one filled with love and pain, success and failures, joy and sorrow, good health, and even facing the shadow of death. Yet, through it all, one thing has remained unwavering: Hope.
At first, I thought of simply celebrating reaching the "fourth floor," but my instincts (sixth sense) called for a deeper reflection on the life I've lived so far. While I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, I also feel compelled to acknowledge my shortcomings and mistakes and the lessons they’ve taught me. I sincerely apologize for the past and remain committed to working toward a brighter future with everyone around me.
The last few years leading to my 40th birthday have been the most challenging years of my life. My health and psychological well-being were severely tested. I lost a lot of money working on my innovations, but losing my beloved son, Frank-Kightle,y was the biggest shock I’ve and would ever have to deal with. Despite these challenges, one thing remained: HOPE! My hope has always been driven by my passion for making the lives of people and the planet better. It’s currently being energized by memories of service with son Frank-Kightley and fortified by true friends, and family who believed in me and my dream of making my community, country, and the world a better place.
As I step into my fourth decade on Earth, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people who’ve kept me going during dark times. My indomitable Mother, Ma Wini, who isn’t much of a visionary person but believes in the dreams of her children and never lets them down whenever they are down. My siblings and most especially Stao Kins. The Godfather Yembe Nfor. Life gave me a “don perika ” (I know say I go pay fine of one crate Big G for this talk) who became my friend and brother. Godfather, ya place dey! You know say if start to say stuff here, bad belle people like Dzouato Bonaventure go come start talk rubbish. From every indication, some ma correct people them all na ma don perika them all. Stanley Sheni, Nsangou Rudolf, etc. Wena place dey. Ndikiliks aka Alphonse Bongsisy, Kaba Solace, Brandon Lovet Ade and Tata Perry Paul although some of wena like Ndikiliks be don mash from wum to church, yi be very clear say wena be ma Peri them in whom I’m well pleased. To my global family and most especially Colby Nabil Jeffers and Mallory Quigg, Papa Jeffers, and Momma Jeffers, Words can never describe how much gratitude, love, and respect I have for you. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me to become the man I am today. Robert Morris, we’ve never met but you’ve been a key player in my life and work. It’s my wish that someday, I fly to the UK to watch a Liverpool VS Manchester City Game with you. Wounded Gilberto Fotso, although you don leave me for inside water, I just want use this moment for talk say you be ma man.
As I keep writing, names of amazing people who have always stood by me, especially during tough times, keep flooding my mind, with some of them being too special to mention. GBHESSAns and 96ers, my most significant moments of life have been and will always be with you. Thank you!
As I walk to the fourth floor, I can only pray and wish for more strength, good health, wealth, fun, and peace. I have a dream and a legacy to leave in memory of my son, future generations, and Mother Earth and this new age is a rebirth of that dream.
The vision is now very clear that I was born to serve people and the planet and as I enter this new age, I pray for God’s wisdom, protection, and guidance to fully live my purpose on Earth. To everyone, … joy and only joy is coming!
You can join me to celebrate by donating to my GoFundMe Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bottlestobooksproject
Thank you and Happy birthday to me!
