Grandma's Bungalow

Grandma’s Bungalow

An excerpt from my working memoir, “Memoirs of a Lost Ashanti Soul”

My sanctuary is located in Kumasi at Mbrom. Grandma’s bungalow is refuge for my soul. The African bungalow where the family matriarch resides is a place many feel at home. There is not a place I have lived where I have felt at home other than grandma’s bungalow.

There are few places we can go in this world where we feel a strong connection to our souls. For me, the overwhelming connection to my soul and this bungalow is a result of my first experiences with the things that bring our souls back to us. Here inside my home, I feel love. I learn about Ashanti traditions and customs. I hear stories of our ancestors.

Mounted on the walls are photos of family and close friends of the family, both past and present. Descending from the ceilings are well wishes and greetings from prior visitors. The halls have a funny way of evoking memory. My earliest memory can be traced back to here. I can remember reaching for a plastic blue toy telephone. I was in great distress as I stood on the tips of my toes extending my arms as far as they could go in hopes of reaching the telephone. I’m not sure who I desperately needed to get in contact with, but I do know they must have been very important.

Every visit back to grandma’s bungalow comes with new stories, life lessons, and memories. Among my favorite memories is Grandma’s 99^th birthday celebration. Grandma has spent over 60 years in this home. She has raised six children and mothered a community. The doors are opened to everyone. Grandma says she doesn’t mind many people calling her bungalow home; she is happy when someone finds comfort, safety or nearness here as she feels it is our duty for us all to be one.