Wednesday A Taste of Flava

Watching Eddison Become Eddison

Today is a special day in our family.

My grandchild, Eddison, graduated from Roosevelt High School as a member of the Class of 2026, and this Nanny Flava could not be more proud.

As grandparents, we often celebrate the diploma, the awards, and the accomplishments. Those things matter. But what fills my heart today is the young person Eddison has become.

Over the years, Eddison represented themself and their school with pride. They participated as a Set Crew member, helping build the sets for Roosevelt’s award-winning musical productions. While others stood in the spotlight, Eddison was part of the team creating the magic behind the scenes.

They also participated in the UNCF HBCU Tour and College Prep Program, stepping outside of their comfort zone to explore opportunities, prepare for the future, and learn more about the possibilities ahead of them.

What makes these accomplishments even more meaningful to me is that Eddison has a hearing impairment that has never defined them and certainly has never stopped them. They have continued to move forward, experience life, pursue their interests, and challenge themselves to grow.

When I left Seattle, Eddison was nine years old.

When I returned, I found a teenager who had developed their own style, their own voice, and their own interests. I watched them become someone who loves story development, creative writing, visual storytelling, books from a variety of genres, eclectic music, video games, and anything involving cars, mechanics, and racing.

Eddison has never been afraid to be uniquely themselves.

As I reflected on graduation day, I found myself thinking about the child I first met eighteen years ago.

I remember when Eddison was born. I remember their energy, their curiosity, and how full of life they were. Now I have had the privilege of watching that child grow into a thoughtful young adult who is continuing to discover who they are meant to be.

That is one of the greatest gifts of being a grandparent.

One memory still makes me smile.

When Eddison was in preschool and elementary school, they proudly told their teachers that their grandma’s name was “Nanny Flava.”

They grew up around the creative souls who were part of my journey. They listened to me do radio shows. They were present during those early chapters of Lady Flava, long before they were old enough to understand what was happening around them.

Looking back now, it warms my heart to know that Eddison was part of that chapter of my life, just as I have been blessed to be part of theirs.

Today, I celebrate more than a graduation.

I celebrate creativity.

I celebrate determination.

I celebrate individuality.

I celebrate courage.

I celebrate growth.

Most of all, I celebrate Eddison.

Congratulations, Eddison.

Keep exploring.

Keep creating.

Keep telling stories.

Keep being authentically you.

I cannot wait to see where your journey leads next.

Love,

Nanny Flava 🌻