Have you ever wondered why most people in Ghana do not take the opportunity to show their loved ones and relatives how they feel about them until they die?

Most people wait to see the death of their loved ones before they express themselves in writing and reading of tributes which the departed never hear.

Perhaps this indicates human frailty and propensity to hold back praise is too late for it to be really worthwhile.

I am Nestor Kafui Adjomah. In this piece, I share the introspection in me after witnessing the funeral and burial service of several people in Ghanaian society.

The funeral service of one prominent man in the society had just begun in the temple of God in earnest and solemnity.

After the first and second bible readings, it was time for the presentation of the biography of the departed fellow, plus other tributes from the wife, children, nephew and nieces, family members as well as classmates among others.

You better get a soft pad to cushion your buttocks against those timeworn wooden benches, for some biographies or tributes could travel hours without ending.

The biography or tribute will probably include when and where the person was born, the royal family he or she comes from, the educational background as well as other achievements.

You might be itching to leave the chapel but not so fast, as you have to wait until the benediction, so life goes on.

The wife’s tribute is usually read by a representative for it is assumed she not well composed to read such sensitive words.

Just then, the Osofo also ascends the pulpit to deliver the sermon well prepared to suit the occasion.

The Reverend Minister probably catalogues the achievements of the departed one.

Since none of the dead have come back to refute or confirm all these, perhaps we only have the Bible to depend on as it explicitly tells us that the dead do not know they are dead let alone hear all these wonderful tributes. They are asleep in the Lord says the Bible.

Considering the fact that our loved ones cannot hear all these glorious tributes when they get read upon their death and we are also unable to tell when it is required of us to write one, people should take the chance to tell how they genuinely love and feel about their loved ones when they still alive. 

Even though some people Joy News spoke with admitted that they do not endear themselves to people around them, they are always ready to honour them on special days like Mother’s Day.   

Joy news caught up with a Psychologist, Kweku Nelson, at a ceremony to honour his mother-in-law for her good works.

According to Mr Nelson, a sense of belonging is a healthy ingredient that could prolong life, hence the need to touch their loved ones and relatives through living tributes and biographies.

Let us make use of the time we have now and tell our loved ones that we cherish them despite their faults.

It is alright to show your love, it is also alright to articulate it through words or actions as we celebrate mother’s day today.

Are tributes for the living or the dead? Are you still waiting to see the death of your mother, sister, wife, father or brother before you ease your grieve by writing flowering tributes?

As for me, I will not cast my pearls before swine because I know what they can do to my precious pearls.