Every tick of the clock marks both a beginning and an end. A newborn draws its first breath somewhere in the
world, while elsewhere, another soul slips quietly away. This constant, silent rhythm reveals the profound
fragility and fleeting beauty of existence.
Birthdays, those annual personal milestones, sit squarely at the intersection of this paradox. As I stand on the
threshold of adding another year to my own tally, the familiar question arises — does this turning of the page
instill paranoia about time’s relentless march, or kindle hope for the unwritten chapters ahead? The answer,
perhaps, is a complex blend of both — a feeling uniquely amplified by the very nature of the day.
For many, a birthday is a light piercing the dullness of routine. It is the designated day when the world, or at
least a corner of it, remembers you. Phones buzz with messages, social media feeds overflow with well-
wishes, and loved ones make the effort to reach out. It is a validation, a tangible reminder of connection and
belonging.
Yet, this concentrated affection can cast a shadow. For those navigating loneliness, grief or fractured
relationships, a birthday can feel like a cruel magnification of absence. It becomes less of a celebration and
more of a haunting echo of loss, a painful reminder of happier times.
This feeling was especially sharp in Ghana in the wake of the recent tragic helicopter crash that claimed the
lives of eight people on Aug. 6.
The nation, united in grief, was awashed in tributes, music, eulogies and solemn promises to honour the
memory of those lost. Streets echoed with praise for their contributions and character — leaders and citizens
alike spoke glowingly of their courage, dedication and humanity. Yet, as moving as these posthumous
celebrations were, they also raised a familiar, haunting question — why do we so often reserve our deepest
expressions of love and respect for when it is too late for the living to hear?
The lesson embedded within this tragedy is so profoundly urgent. We must learn to transfer the energy and
eloquence we pour into posthumous tributes into the present moment. Birthdays, anniversaries and even
ordinary Tuesdays are not merely about marking the passive passage of time. They are our recurring, precious
opportunities to say what needs to be said now. They are a chance to truly see the people around us, voice our
appreciation, offer forgiveness and express our love while their ears can still hear the words and their hearts
can still be warmed by them.
Is the feeling as we turn a new age paranoid or hopeful? It can be both. Paranoia urges us not to waste the
time we have, hope invites us to fill that time with meaning. But beyond our personal anxieties, the birthday’s
deepest call is outward — to celebrate people in the vibrant, imperfect, glorious present.
The profound national loss experienced in Ghana must strengthen our collective resolve. Let it be a strength
that pushes us not to wait until tragedy silences a vibrant voice, to finally speak what is in our hearts. We must
choose to celebrate life fiercely and generously while we are all still here to share its light and warmth.
The greatest tribute we can ever offer to the departed, and to each other, is far greater than any funeral oration
or national promise. It is the gift of ‘Now’ — the profound, unshakeable certainty of being valued, seen and
appreciated now in life, not just hallowed in memory. Let that be the legacy we build, every single day.
Let that time be now!