We drove into Accompong Town and noticed the grill to the Community Center was locked so it was a good thing I didn’t wait for a toilet to be available here. Kerry Ann has taken over running a store on the main that used to be owned and run by another dear friend, Piaki, who died a few years back.
We pulled into the entrance to the cemetery and parked amid a large group of community members who were “bushing” the town. “Bushing” included cutting weeds with machetes, raking debris and partaking in a social event which helps bond the young and old and boosts the pride and moral of the citizens. We were greeted by Kerry Ann and I took her aside to pay for the tour of my “family” and to make sure there was a little extra for her after she has to give a portion to the town which helps pay for programs like “bushing” etc. assuming things worked as intended. They don’t always do.
As Kerry Ann took my group down to the Cudjoe Monument, I walked over to sit in front of Rubber’s store where you would usually find me when I stayed in town and wanted to hang with friends. Within mere minutes friends seemed to come from all directions asking how I was doing and expressing sadness over Marshall’s unfortunate and swift passing. I will always consider Accompong Town my “home away from home” however I don’t know if I have a desire at this point to stay overnight as my caretaker doesn’t want me to. She has her reasons and I respect her judgement at least for now on the subject.
About an hour later, my “family” came back from the tour with Kerry Ann and walked down to hang out at Kerry Ann’s shop and eat some chicken with rice and peas. I was not hungry and content to drink a cold bottle of water. We hung out and reasoned until the later afternoon as storm clouds were forming and our driver didn’t want to navigate the road in the rain. Now, it was time for me to go to Marshall's grave and pay my respects. My caretaker and I accompanied the driver to a spot next to the church where we got out.
MARSHALLS GRAVE
MARSHA (A CLOSE FRIEND AND MARSHALL'S NEIGHBORS GRAVE
My good friend, Flashy, got in the car as we took a drive around to Hilltop Road where Marshall's house sits to take a look at some work that has been done since last year. We stopped and talked to a lot of my friends and neighbors who gave their best wishes and hoped to see me soon. I have been blessed with so many good friends here. We drove Flashy home before returning to the main road.
It was starting to sprinkle so we gathered up the daughter and granddaughter as we said our rounds of goodbyes and promises to return. Going down the hill, I reflected on my discussions with the citizens of the town and the problems I observed. A common connection was that oft used word. MONEY.
