Alhassan died this morning of an infection that overcame his system and caused renal failure. I was privileged to see a special side of Alhassan. Everybody knows his smile, his laugh, his locks but not everyone saw underneath. Alhassan laughed and talked all day. I have rarely known anyone so popular and so well known but more than all that, Alhassan was true. He was true to his beliefs, true to his friends and family and true to me and to Kofi. He was a thinker who could stand apart from the crowd if necessary because of his own self taught standards.
When I was angry, the whole school knew that Alhassan would be peace-maker. When difficult things happened, for all his lack of education, it was his wisdom that I sought. He guided me and protected me and he was a much loved father not just to Kofi but to so many young people in EducAid.
Alhassan and I argued regularly and every day we made our peace. He was no saint but he was a man of many rare qualities. I am proud of him. I am proud to have loved and been loved by him. I am proud to have his child.
I will miss him terribly. The hole is hard to believe. Every day whatever country we were in we spoke and told each other of our love for each other. We were determined that whatever the trials and the tests, our marriage and our love would endure the test of time. Now, it is not possible to prove our love for each other in that way, but I will never forget him and I ask that those of you who knew and loved him, help me to remember him by continuing the work of EducAid of which he was so proud to be a part. In Alhassan’s name I commit to continuing the fight to increase access to good quality, thinking education. In his memory I ask that you all join me and that we fight ignorance, corruption and poverty together.
Miriam, I have been following your blog ..I have no words. I am deeply sorry for your loss and admire your deeper commitment to Educaid. I will continue to work at helping you with the website. please contact me anytime for anything I can do to help in anyway. All my love Bran x
ReplyDeleteMiriam, this is very sad news, we were sorry to hear of it. Words can seem inadequate at times like this, but it was tremendously uplifting to read your testimony to Alhassan. Be assured of Sue's and my prayers, and I know many others at St James Muswell Hill are also praying for you at this time.
ReplyDeleteSimon Upcott
With deep heart felt we join Miriam,Kofi & entire Educaid,for the loss of a loved one,i got this news late, due to my travel-ling all time, i came in from rutiles 3days ago and i never for once chat on-line with Miriam, the shock news sadden me, but i later got happier when i remember that he lives the life of just,encouragement, of discussing, although i did not have much time to talk with ALHassan but is someone that belief GOD, and the two topic i discuss with him when his alive are issue of religion and life, i was working as the Technical Director at FGC Wireless when he came in and made inquiry, i told him if you can be patient a little we can get you service, the perseverance, continue reminding, and able to have the patient get this service for Educaid, and i am so surprise that he never take any position but rather a part of selfless service to the course of the school unlike most people there wife or husband are involve in such course, i will not be making a mistake calling him active volunteer, and also someone that have people in mind, with our little conversation i realize he will definitely be with GOD on the right side, and surely R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteALI AJAO Managing Director CTS SL. LTD. Sierra Leone
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ReplyDeleteHi Miriam, have just read your blog. I was gob smacked when i read about the death of 'Command' (Mr Alhassan). I just felt this cool wind running through my spine. I hope that god have faithfully guide and console you, through that difficult period. I remember him of being like a father to me and all the EducAidans. When things were rough during the 'Kelly-times', he was able to smooth out the rough edges with his belief that "if people are united we can fight corruption and poverty together". I hope that he rest in perfect peace for not only what he has done, but also in the belief that people like us will carry on his belief to fight against ignorance, corruption and poverty in Africa. Samuel Marrah (ex student of EducAid)
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