TRIBUTE TO MY GODDIE: ELVA

The rest of The Bahamas knew her as a woman with amazing talent for the public arena – well- spoken, accomplished, a pioneer for women in broadcasting, born to be in the spotlight. I knew her as “Goddie Elva.” In my formative years, she (and her family, by extension) would be the hallmark of family values like support, counsel and camaraderie for me. She was a friend, par excellence, to my mother and so much more to me. She was Goddie!

I have two godmothers – both of whom hold a special place in my heart. Of course, there is Goddie Minna – beautiful, bright smile, always welcoming. Then...there was Elva.

I’m not sure how our relationship developed over the years, but she was always a constant voice in my head – reminding me how talented and beautiful I was, even when the world around me didn’t treat me that way. She would often have a few choice words for anyone who acted unfairly, inconsistently, or unjustly toward me. I loved this woman who was always on my side! Goddie Elva taught me so many important things about life and family and friendship.

It was through her friendship with my mom that I learned the important lesson: Women don’t have to compete with each other; they can simply celebrate each other’s strengths and support each other in weakness. Did they have the perfect relationship? I dare not say yes. But to me, it was. They both were stern and opinionated, but fierce in their loyalty to each other. Their lives were oceans apart. Goddie Elva lived in the spotlight, dinners and parties and meetings and the works! But this never at one time diminished her welcome when we stopped by for a visit.

Goddie taught me the values of presenting myself well and preparing for those opportunities in the way I carried myself. People describe me as poised, confident, articulate – much of this came from her. I remember sleeping over at her house and listening to the way she spoke – on the phone, at the kiln in the garage, sorting through Amway shipments, wherever. Then, I would sneak off to some quiet corner and practice speaking in that same tone, rehearsing my words, so I could sound just like Goddie Elva.

There was never a time that I knew her where she didn’t seem extremely busy. It was always some business or other that kept her buzzing, going, striving. I learned this from her – never settle for less than you are worthy of. She could have settled for broadcasting, or growing someone else’s company, but she didn’t. She explored so many means of building herself, teaching me along the way that it is not how you begin but how you live to ensure a great end that really matters.

Have I made it seem that we didn’t have our differences? Let me assure you, that is not the case. If there was anyone who ever held an opinion, it was Goddie Elva! I remember one time in particular, she had asked me a favor. I was to sing at a birthday celebration. I admitted that I couldn’t, at the time, as I was in studio recording my album. She looked me in my face quietly, with this look on her face that shouted her disappointment and displeasure. What happened after? Goddie got exactly what she wanted! I recorded my last song in the session and sped to the hall just in time to sing “To Dream the Impossible Dream” for my Goddie.

Oh, by the way, that was another great talent of hers – getting exactly what she wanted. I can only smile at the many times she got me to sing. “For me,” she would say. “Ayanna, do it for me.”

Sadly, a chapter of my life closes in her passing. Goddie Elva was perhaps the purest resource in a Godmother –passionate, formidable in her loyalties and indomitable in her spirit. She was the first person, outside of my mother, to call me black and beautiful – like my grandmother, she would always remind me: A Queen!

Following her example, I can only hope to be. God Bless You This Week!

Love Ayanna Cartwright

Life is partly what we make it, and partly made by the friends we choose.

Thank you Elva for choosing me as your friend. What a Phenomenal Lady, A Classy Lady, A Godly Lady, A Lady who loved and still loves her family especially her six grand kids.

I knew Elva all my life. We had a Toote Shop Corner connection, an Insurance connection; (you see we worked together). A political connection we were both FNM’s.

Ihave often wondered what a “reunion in heaven” looks like.

If there were ever a time I contemplated an afterlife welcome, it’s been these last few days.

What a catchup that must have been between Elva and Annie.

Knowing my mother the late Andrea Sawyer (nee Knowles), she would ask Elva about the grandchildren to her THREE God children Tracey Gemma and Andrew.

Those who know the story would in no way be surprised. Elva’s children hold a special place with Goddie Annie.

Birthdays, Christmas and milestones would find Goddie bearing gifts and lots of cheer.

There were times I felt as if these three were my own siblings. We travelled as a pack.

As the eldest of the crew it was my job to entertain these children as Annie and Elva made those almost rock star appearances.

The more I thought about that reunion I imagined Elva would tell Annie how she kept a watchful eye on Hope and “Romie” since she’s been gone.

There would be ruckus laughter at how Elva called us frequently to remind us “how THE BATCH” was still in charge from all the way up here.

She was like my big sister. She looked out for me, no one had better fool with me in Elva’s presence or she would give you a piece of her mind and she did that well.

Elva loved gardening but I did not. She told me her plants did not back talk her they did what she said, unlike me. Elva was a very special friend. She told me when I was right and when I was wrong. She celebrated my achievements in life and she stood with me when life was not so kind.

Because she was some years my senior I shared my heart with her and she never disappointed me.

Elva loved life and enjoyed every moment of it. Elva I will miss our late night phone call and our many jokes.

Sleep on my beautiful friend. Take your well-deserved rest.

In that moment Elva’s brother Bruce Russell would shout across that room in heaven how he gave Annie that nickname THE BATCH.

The name is a play on Mum’s one time declaration that she was THE OFFICIAL BACHELORETTE.

Elva’s younger sister Angie would be the next heavenly appearance asking Elva “how was Pilate?”

That’s the nickname she bestowed on our father Ozzie. While Elva and Annie were friends, not even my father could escape these whimsical and witty tales of adventure.

The reunion would then turn to politics and current affairs.

I suspect The Lord would remind them that those types of conversations had no place in heaven.

Mum would reply “Elva, look at my eyes”

The heavenly laugher would grow louder.

Inez Russell would smile in amusement, recalling it was just like the old days in Toote Shop Corner.

I imagined a reunion where

Elva and Annie reminisce on a lifetime of friendship. So much time has passed since these two spoke. So much to catch up on, so many good times to relive, so many friends and family in heaven to greet.

My thoughts allowed me to imagine a grand welcome, a celebration planned by Annie of course, to get reacquainted with so many, Jen, Norma, Vikki, Zelma and on and on. While we mourn down here, I imagined a jubilation in heaven.

Jerome Sawyer