Our world is a little less bright of a place now, but God has brought home one incredible little boy, who, if at all possible, just made heaven even brighter. Eyako passed away just a few days after Christmas. It was unexpected and is very hard to accept. Eyako is one of the twins. One of Bernice's grandsons and along with his brother, Ayrum, has been raised by Bernice since he was a toddler. One of our boys and a very special one to say the least. He was only nine. Eyako had sickle cell anemia. Something I am embarrassed to admit I didn't know that much about....at least I didn't know that it could pose such a threat at such an early age. Eyako was always very healthy and a 'normal' kid all my time in Ghana. He did take medicine twice a day for the sickle cell, couldn't always participate in the activities requiring physical exertion (i.e. swimming) and we knew he occasionally spent time in the hospital. I think the reason I never viewed or feared him as sick was because of his attitude and amazing personality. He never acted like he was sick. When he was told he couldn't do something with the rest of the kids, he never threw a fit or complained (at least not around us) and would just come along and watch on the sidelines. He was always in the best of spirits, so respectful, wise beyond his years, personable, helpful and loving. He will be missed dearly.
Bernice is doing as well as can be expected. The kids are still home on break and, of course, very upset. They continue to be resilient kids. Regardless, please be praying for them all.
Eyako is on the far left in the blue shirt. His brother, Ayrum, is next to him. This is from our 2009 visit back to Sammy's village.
