There’s something so special about those quiet, unplanned moments between a mother and her child. Today, I had one of those moments with my son, Zaddy. We sat down together with some Taco Bell—nothing fancy, just soft tacos, nacho fries, and a couple of drinks—and ended up having one of the best conversations we've had in a while. We talked about everything: life, growth, struggles, joy, and all the little things in between. It reminded me how important it is to slow down and simply be present with the ones you love.
Life Changes in the City of Lights
Zaddy has been living in Las Vegas for a while now, and from a mother’s perspective, it’s been both fascinating and emotional to witness his journey. The transition wasn’t easy—especially during that first year. He was alone, in a new city, with no familiar faces and not much of a social circle. I remember how quiet he became, how much he kept to himself. It broke my heart, but I knew I had to give him space to figure things out.
Now, things are different. He’s found his rhythm. He lives in a nice apartment complex with a pool, and the community there seems tight-knit and welcoming. “Mom, I spend like 80% of my time out by the pool,” he laughed as we ate. “People are always out there grilling, hanging out, and sharing food. It’s really nice.”
Hearing that warmed my heart. As a mom, you never stop worrying, but knowing your child is building connections, being part of a community, and starting to feel at home—that gives you a sense of peace. Of course, he also joked (half-seriously) about putting on weight from all the beer and barbecue. Vegas has its perks, but let’s be real—it’s also full of temptation.
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Surviving the Heatwave
One of the things that still concerns me deeply is the extreme heat in Vegas. Recently, the temperature soared to 120°F—an all-time record. That’s not just hot; that’s dangerous. Zaddy shared how even the Jesus piece necklace I gave him got so hot he had to take it off. “Mom, I had to take it off for a few days. My neck was hurting. I know you told me never to take it off—you even prayed over that chain—but it was burning.”
I couldn't be mad. I understand he had to take care of himself, but it did tug at my heart a bit. That chain wasn’t just jewelry—it was a symbol of protection and love. I reminded him to stay cautious, especially with his skin. He told me his skin was starting to peel, but he didn’t feel any pain. That worried me more. No pain doesn't mean no damage, and I urged him to use sunscreen every day.
A New Approach to Hair and Confidence
Another unexpected twist in our conversation was about his hair. Now, if you know Zaddy, you know he’s serious about his hair—like, won’t-even-shoot-a-video-until-it’s-perfect serious. So when he told me he’d tried out a new barber—a female barber, no less—I was shocked.
“I went to four different barbershops in one day just to find someone I could trust,” he said. “I finally met a lady who seemed cool, but I still interviewed her before I let her touch my head.”
That made me laugh, but also made me proud. He knows what he wants, and he’s not afraid to go after it. He also mentioned that he’s considering stopping the black hair dye he’s been using for years. With all the swimming and gym time, keeping up with dyed hair has become a hassle. For someone who’s held onto a signature look for so long, that’s a big deal. It means he’s evolving, letting go of old routines, and becoming more comfortable with change.
A Taste for Adventure
Zaddy also opened up about his recent trip to Zion National Park, where he went on a hiking adventure that included walking through a river—seven miles of rugged, wet terrain. “The water was up to my chest in some parts,” he told me, his eyes lighting up. “It was crazy! People were getting injured, and some even had to be rescued by helicopter.”
Part of me wanted to yell, Boy, what were you thinking?! But another part of me just felt incredibly proud. Proud that he’s pushing himself, trying new things, and living life with courage and curiosity. That’s the kind of growth every parent hopes to see.
A Mother’s Reminder
As our conversation wrapped up, I sat back and just looked at my son—really looked at him. He’s changing. He’s growing into a man who’s learning to manage life on his own, with all its ups and downs. And while there are still things he needs to work on (we all do), I’m proud of where he is today.
Before we parted ways, I gave him a little reminder I’ve told him before:
“Vegas is Sin City, baby. If you ever feel like you’re slipping—whether it’s gambling, drinking, or anything that pulls you off track—don’t stay there. But if you can keep yourself grounded, if you can stay true to who you are, it might just be a beautiful place to build your life.”
These moments—these talks over fast food and laughter—mean the world to me. Because behind every grown man is still someone’s little boy. And I’ll always be his mom, cheering him on, praying for him, and loving him through it all.
