SISTER-SISTER

My parents were married on June 16, 1984 and a little over 9 months later they gave birth to their little princess, DELILAH VIRGINIA VAITAI. Mom says she was planned from the beginning and the rest of us were all accidents (yes, that's mom's lovely humor we love), but regardless, this is one blessing our entire family is grateful for...no doubt!

Lila is 14 months older than me and ever since I can remember, she's always been a humble and cheerful person. You'll notice in the slideshow below that she's always wearing a smile. That's probably why people always say, "SHE'S THE NICER ONE". Two peas in a pod we have been and I've been truly lucky to have this little lady to look up to over the last 25 years (meaning she's 26 if you can't do the math ;). LoL. jk.)

But seriously, we're total opposites yet alike in so many ways and I love it! As I mentioned in my blog below on my mom's birthday, mom always taught me that Lila is the oldest and what Lila says, goes. I never really understood this when I was younger, but as I continue to mature and grow, I understand it completely and am grateful to a mother and grandmother who emphasized it so strongly at a young age. What I learned most from it is to have respect for elders. Even during times where I've gone blind of this lesson, I am grateful that Lila has been who she is: humble, quiet, forgiving and loving. Thank you!

When I said earlier that she was mom and dad's little princess, I wasn't joking. If you want to know what a daddy's girl is, here's the prime example. Some people say that women can't change men, but I beg to differ. I've seen this lady change my father ever since she was young. Our entire family will tell you how she has had this man wrapped around her finger since she was born. It's no wonder that she's just as humble as him and why she smiles just as much. Sigh. Envy much? haha.

Lila knows that when she wants something badly enough, Dad's the one to run to. Growing up it  was always: Dad, can I have new shoes? Dad, I'm hungry. Dad, dad, dad...And EVERY time, Dad fulfilled her wish. Their bond is truly one of a kind and I'm sure anyone who knows our family can testify.

When our parents, aunts and uncles or close friends refer to Lila, they always say she's a child at heart. Most times, due to the Tongan translation, I think she takes it as an insult; as in she's immature and what not, but I've come to realize that it's actually far from that. Instead, I see it as she's innocent and sweet and sees life/things in its purest form. At the end of the day, she only wants peace and happiness.

Goodness, if there's anyone who could attest to this, it'd have to be her "son" figure, Malini. From the fresh J's to the skinny jeans, games to outings, she's all about him. She's always willing to give of whatever she has and hates to speak badly of others too. Childlike in a manner that our Father in Heaven definitely approves. If only I could be more like her.

Before this becomes a full biography, let me just name a few things I admire, love and appreciate about my sister:

1. Mom was right, I can't trust anyone except for my sister. Through thick and thin, ins and outs...it's only her!
2. Talk about talent: a voice that I never get sick of listening to sing and her ability to play the piano and guitar...#jealous


[an original she wrote a few years back]

3. Epitomy of cool, calm and collected: she knows how to hold her emotions together. Therefore, when she's mad, SHE'S MAD and you know you've gone too far. Yikes!

4. She may be a princess, but she's no stranger to hard work. Anyone who could easily have it "their" way and still push forth an effort to get theirs is definitely a humble person (in my opnion).

5. I totally appreciate her laugh. (This goes along with the child at heart talk) Dang, when this girl laughs, she llllaaauuugghhhsss. haha. Everytime I think of this girl laughing, it's the laughing so hard you cry laugh. smh.

6. Fashionista. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm sooooo blessed/lucky to have my sister. She loves buying shoes and clothes and there's no way she's gonna have a scrubby sister walking around so guess who gets new clothes and shoes too??? Yessir...MWAH! haha.

7. Miss Fit! When I said we're total opposites yet so alike, this would be the opposite side. This girl is such a marathon runner and I'm the expired athlete who thinks running is such a foreign concept. If only I still had my knees, I'd be two-piece ready like her. Sigh.

I guess to sum it all up, Delilah Virginia is no doubt one of the BEST ladies in my life. She's got everything I want to be and more and I'm lucky to have her as an older sister. I have no doubt that my brother's wouldn't agree more. Together we make our Fantastic Four crew and to know that we'll be eternal is the icing on the cake.

As I was gathering pictures for a brief slide show, I was reaffirmed of the lovely person she is and of the smile she always carries. Thank you Lord for blessing Delilah Virginia in my life and thank you mom and dad for bringing her into our family. I Love you Lila!