UK-based Ghanaian international singer and performer, Stephanie Benson, born Princess Akua Ohenewaa Asieanem, has celebrated a significant milestone in her family as three of her children are now married.
In a heartfelt message, Madam Benson, who is rooted in jazz music, reflected on the journeys of her children into marriage and contrasted it with her own experience.
“3 of my children are married. All 3 were dating for a long time. My oldest dated for 11 years, my second 5 years and my third, 5 years. Dating for a long time for them was not intentional. Just smart. My story is the exact opposite. I met their father at 16, but only got to know him at 21 and married 6 months later,” she shared on Facebook.
She explained that her children might have taken their time to commit because they witnessed some of her personal struggles during marriage.
“Getting to understand his flaws, his lifestyle, his likes and dislikes. I’m sure it was the same for their father but the difference is, he saw no flaws in me. In time, I realised the most important thing. His heart and love for me, was flawless.”
She expressed her wish for her children to have similar experiences rooted in love and understanding, stressing that marriage is not about perfection but about accepting imperfections.
“My wish was for all my children, is for them to have the same. Although I was lucky enough to find my perfect man in every way, it’s not about perfection. The decision to marry a man or woman has to be based solely on whether you will be willing to put up with their imperfections,” Mrs Benson added.
She commended them for making the conscious decision to marry before having children and offered a prayer for their future.
“They took their time. Making the smart decision of not complicating this journey with children until marriage. My prayer today is for them in their marriage, to be the best version of themselves.
“Never to allow their partners to diminish who they are and where they are from.”
As a mother, she pledged to remain a firm presence in their lives.
“As their mother, I am going to continue to remind them of this, whether they want to hear it or not. I will be that thorn in their side for as long as I’m alive.
“And the in-laws will be put on blast, if they ever attempt to remove that thorn. I told each of them what to expect. I am a force and no Mandingo or Etwe will change that, in God’s name, AMEN.”
