Unforgettable Memories: My First International Trip to Grenada with My Mom ❤️

As I started gathering photos for this post, I became extremely emotional, thinking about the deep love and adoration I have for my mother. Sometimes it feels surreal that I even know her. I look up to her in so many ways, and always pray to God that I can be a mother, wife, friend, sister, cousin, church member, and daughter like her- she exemplifies excellence in my eyes. We have went through so much as a family, but the hardest thus far, was dealing with the loss of my father. It was extremely hard on all of us individually, and the thought of having to adjust while in pain felt impossible. It took me two years after he passed, to transition thoughts from myself and how I was grieving, to how my mother was grieving. I was in shock, in auto pilot, and was trying to figure out and place these new emotions. I didn’t know what life would be like, without him, but...what about her? For over 30 years my parents were married, laughing with each other, raising children, praying, enjoying each other, joking around, planning, and going through challenges together. They had a beautiful routine. They were best friends. Then, it just...stops? We will never understand why someone we love has to go, and truthfully it still hurts, but what about the people who are still here? As I continued on my healing journey, I was and still am currently intentional about loving those who are here. Being present and pushing myself to spend quality time, because from what I have experienced, you just never know. It is a TOP priority for me to create beautiful memories, and capture every single moment that I am blessed to not only receive, but to give joy. I know that is what Daddy would want. I am embody so many of his beautiful traits.

"Our mothers always did so many things to ensure we had fun, from movies, carnivals, or just playing with us in the yard"

My mother called me with excitement and said “Do you want to go to Grenada for Shivon’s wedding? Bubu just called me about it!” “Bubu” is a nickname for my mother’s best friend, but her name is Joanne 😂. They met while working as nurses and only referred to each other by their last names, so even as a child, I only knew her as aunty Bubu. Shivon, her brother Oliver, my sister Valerie, and I always spent time together as kids. Our mothers always did so many things to ensure we had fun, from movies, carnivals or just playing with us in the yard. We always came and left with wide smiles. When she mentioned that Shivon was getting married, I was excited for the wedding and also to see everyone, it’s been so long! What more of a beautiful setting than to meet up in the gorgeous island of Grenada! As soon as I said yes, we booked our tickets, reserved our hotel stay, and started preparing for the most fulfilling trip I have ever taken.

"Words can’t express the excitement I had for this opportunity to spend time with my mother, on a beautiful island, where she can just simply relax"

I started doing research right away, and took notes on restaurants, activities, and different landmarks we should visit. I was getting excited with each click! While planning for the trip, I realized that I have not taken an international trip with my mother as an adult. The last one was a trip to Haiti when I was 2! I pondered on that, and smiled, because I knew that was all about to change. Words can’t express the excitement I had for this opportunity to spend time with my mother, on a beautiful island, where she can just simply relax. I was GENUINELY excited for her to rest. Mothers, I feel are always on go, even as they children grow older, it never takes away from the protection they have over their children. Once their baby...always their baby. This trip was going to be unforgettable in so many ways:

• Spending quality time with mom and allowing her to rest

• Experiencing Shivon’s wedding and seeing "Bubu" and the family again!

• Traveling to Grenada for the first time

• Watching joy daily on mommy’s face (pricelessssssssss)

Win, Win, Win!!- BTW Look at that water!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Grenada is a BEAUTIFUL country, and if it wasn’t for the wedding, I would have not known how amazing it is. I am thankful that we were invited! I have traveled to many Caribbean countries, but have not been to Grenada, and neither has my mother. Known as the “Island Of Spice” because of their abundance in spices, Grenada has the most beautiful people, food, weather, and beaches. It was a great time the minute we arrived, and being the planner that I am, the itinerary was set and executed! 😂 We both enjoyed our beach days, resting our feet in the sand, while sipping on our favorite drink "coconut breeze." Wish I could have one right now!

"Just us, the waves, and God. Something I will never forget"

We had a BLAST! I brought my speaker with me, and we had our own pool party at the hotel! We visited some really great restaurants, had beach days, laughed, danced in our room, talked, and thoroughly enjoyed the wedding. I was so inspired that I did something I always wanted to do- record an episode of SaveTheGoodGirl podcast on the beach! You can catch the unedited, organic episode here! Everything was beautiful, but genuinely what I loved the MOST was spending time with mommy. One of the special moments we shared, was praying together on the balcony in our room. Just us, the waves, and God. Something I will never forget.

Mommy,

I am so proud of you, and all of the steps you continually take to be the best mother ever. God really proved to me how special and loved I am from BIRTH, to have the honor as you and daddy as my parents. I thank you for always believing in me, my talents, and accepting me for me. Thank you for truly seeing me as I am, and affirming me for what I will be. Thank you for always pushing me to be greater, and leading by example. Thank you for never giving up, and always pushing yourself to reach your goals. You inspire me deeply to reach mine and to believe that it will happen. Thank you for teaching me how to give and be kind. I see why you are loved by many, you make it very easy to love you. You are my #1 supporter, courageous, understanding, intelligent, fun, reliable,and love your family unconditionally. Your love for God, is what lead me back to him after Daddy. I see the healing he has done for you, and also the healing he has done for me. Your love and dedication as a wife and mother is beyond what my words can write. My only hope is that God blesses me with the characteristics you have to be just as great. I love your smile, your jokes, your presence, your charisma, and your priority in your faith. Thank you for all the prayers that have been and continues to protect me. I am so happy that God blessed us with the opportunity to be in Grenada together, it was a beautiful trip, and I can't wait for many more. I know Daddy is smiling from above seeing the most phenomenal joy from his beautiful wife, and so am I ❤️

My goal is to always keep you smiling like you are in these photos, I am so excited for what is next mommy! I loveeeeeee youuuuuuuuuuuuu sooooooooo mucchhhhhhhh!!!

From your girl,

Boo Boo❤️

To see all of the visuals from this trip,from selecting luggage, outfits, restaurants and my beautiful mama, be sure to check me out on Tik Tok and IG on my lifestyle page: ExquisitelyErica!

Let me know your thoughts on this blogpost and any special memories you share or have shared with your mother in the comments! ❤️