Happy Independence!!

As, being Nigerian is a big bit part of my identity arguably even one of the biggest, there was no way I couldn't write a post for today. But today is even more special to me that every other Nigerian as it's also my best friend's birthday.

For those of you who don't know my Nana is my best friend in the whole world. No, I'm not 6 and funnily enough she became a huge part of my life relatively recently, but she is definitely the favourite person in my world. Today she's 80.


Now, where do I begin when talking about my grandma. Like most of you with an African background you know about those relatives that come to visit and overstay their welcome. My grandma was one of those. When I was really young we were really close and as I got older she became notorious for constantly travelling to visit her kids and grandkids that were scattered around the world. But when my grandad had a stroke she stayed in Nigeria to look after him and after his second one she stopped travelling all together. Fast forward to after my grandad past away in 2014, my mum and her siblings decided that Nana should stay with us for a bit so she wasn't isolated as she grieved. 3 years later and she's still living with us.


But honestly I wouldn't change it for the world.

My Nana to put it simply is a beautiful soul who's mad, kind, stubborn and selfless. Coming home from a bad day at school to her giving me money for makeup to cheer me up or telling my about this new website called YouTube she had just discovered, she's honestly a blessing. I have so many amazing memories of her baking pies, telling me stories about racism in her day and how happy she is that I don't have to go though that. Watching her try and fight a man who tried to steal my uncle's parking spot. Her love of life is something that I hope I can one day also have. She's taught me patience, how to love unconditional and the importance of family.

She has the worst fake smile and her favourite shows are always on Disney Channel. She's quick to offer her help in any way and support her kids and grandkids no mater what. I love how she always checks in fashion magazines before buying me clothes so she gets something that's on trend. She's easy to talk to even though her phone calls never last longer than 2 minutes. I love how she always complains that she hates living in a house of giants since she's only 5'2'' but is always quick to boast that it's easier for her to pick things up from the floor. She has no filter and always speaks her mind, including saying I'm the favourite out of all her kids and grandkids (but to be honest can you blame her lol).

Basically she's the best person ever and I love her more than bits and bobs.

So, this is the ultimate shoutout to Rosaline Arinze;
my heart
my best friend
my Nana