By Otunba T.J. Abass.
Yesterday marked my birthday, but as I have stated publicly, I do not arrogate any special recognition to that particular day.
I have long considered every opportunity and every day that I receive the gift of life from my Creator as a special blessing worthy of celebration.
For me, Every sunrise is a gift of life from my Creator and worthy of celebration.
The recent health scare, which brought with it countless anxious moments, has only reinforced this conviction.
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It reminded me of the fleeting nature of life and its complexities and the importance of celebrating every moment as though it were the last.
This year feels particularly surreal because it embodies a delicate balance between acknowledging the joy and gift of life while also honoring the sorrow of loss—specifically, the celebration of a brother whose journey was cut short, an Attorney in Houston, Texas, Larry Johnson, and a member of Eko Club Houston for a period of 21 years.
If death handed out serial numbers, we would all be counting down to our digits and tremble as our turns drew near. But there is no waiting list. The one you expect to be “first in line” often isn’t.
Death moves with its own hidden plan, catching us by surprise. Larry Johnson stood with me, helping to get me a new lease of life, and no one saw that he was himself in an embrace with death.
Amid the celebration of Larry Johnson’s life, members of Eko Club International quietly hatched their carefully incubated plan to give me a surprise birthday celebration.
A heart-racing prank on my integrity was its prelude. I was called outside the hall, where accusations were leveled against me.
A joyful birthday melody followed, punctuating the midnight air and leaving my jaw in shock. The painful pleasure of that moment could remind you of shiny little stars in the darkest sky
This was a showcase of ingenuity and camaraderie that are part of this esteemed organization’s DNA.
For 25 years, Eko Club International has thrived not by pointing fingers but by helping hands. We believe each member possesses only one positive side, not the bad or ugly.
We choose to focus on these positive qualities rather than dwell on the negative, regardless of what some may claim.
True leadership involves bringing out the best in people rather than highlighting their shortcomings.
This philosophy has been the foundation of our growth and success for the past 25 years and continues to be the cornerstone of our aspirations for the future.
All of these principles were evident this weekend during the surprise birthday celebration.
The key to our organization’s success lies in our exceptional camaraderie, strong leadership, and ability to harness every member’s unique strengths.
I am deeply grateful to my esteemed members. Thank you all.
Celebrating my birthday on a day like this does not diminish our grief; rather, it affirms the gift of life, the bond of friendship, and the hope for tomorrow. The moment was not about choosing between grief and celebration but gracefully embracing both.
This remembrance of the departed and the simultaneous celebration of the living was an enactment of a line in Michael Jackson’s song “Heal the World:” People are dying, but if you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and me.
Thank you, Eko Club International, for making that a better place for me.
So today, I celebrate my birthday with friends and family, filled with gratitude for all the calls and messages I received.
I am genuinely indebted, acknowledging that I owe my existence to the steadfast support and prayers of those who surround me on this journey.
At the same time, we celebrate the life of our brother, Larry Johnson, who has crossed the border to another side of eternity.
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Life reminds us of its rhythm: even in the darkest cloud, there is a silver lining.
Like a tree spared from the storm, I stand here today with a firm belief that as God remains entirely in control, I have many more calendars to trash.
I extend my heartfelt wish to my friends, family, and esteemed colleagues.
Thank you all.
Belated happy birthday to me.
