Dear Mom,
I have spent months trying to put into words all the feelings and emotions I have experienced since I watched you take your last breath, but everything seems so inadequate. 😢 The last 365 days without you have been eye-opening, sad, empty and yet at the same time filled with so much gratitude, memories (which lead to laughter) and hope that we (your children) are making you proud while awaiting the day that we can be reunited again. 💖
We spent so much of our lives watching you do so much for others. You truly lived by the following quote:
"Blessings come to those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting."
Oh mom, I remember watching you cook for countless events and never complaining. You stepped up without hesitation and could never just take one dish. You always made sure to have one meat, one side and a dessert if possible. How did you have so much energy to do so? And how did you get the money for all of that to appear out of thin air? Lila and I would really love to know so feel free to visit us in our dreams and tell us your secret! LoL. But for real mom, we totally took advantage of your cooking and didn't realize how much work you really put into every thing until we were forced to do it for ourselves. THANK YOU for spoiling us for so many years and showing us by example how to give. We seldom ever saw you at a function without your apron and know that's why so many came to say farewell a year ago. Finding pictures of you in your apron bring back so many great memories. 😍
In the last year, I've had the opportunity to attend a variety of events where one person or another has expressed their love for you and wishing you were there to give a speech on behalf of the family or just tell stories to make everyone laugh. Why couldn't we have inherited your talents? I often play the few videos I have of you just to hear your voice and see your face. I can only imagine all the stories you're telling up above and how much laughter is going on over there. Oh what I would give to be a fly on the wall with all of you! 😘
Remember all those times I would kick and complain when you'd make me fold all the Tongan mats or travel with you to the various family functions? Yeah, I'm sorry for being so short-sighted and not realizing all your wisdom at a young age. There's not a day that passes where I don't sit and think about all the cultural lessons you taught me. It would take me ages to list all of them, but one thing I truly love is how much you prepared me to carry on those traditions without you. I laugh at the memories of you calling me while I was at work telling me about a fala or ngatu that was on sale somewhere and asking me to pitch in or buy it. I should've pried more and asked for all your connections because trying to find stuff to buy nowadays for your grand babies or other functions isn't always easy. I've even considered joining a katoanga in Tonga just to stock up. What have you done to me lady?!? haha...Feel free to point me in the right direction, mom. I may not be a fan of all the Tongan traditions, but I also can't throw away that tradition quite yet!🇹🇴
I know you’re watching over all of us and don’t need an update on our family, but I know you miss your grand babies and are preparing another one to join us in a few short months. Pakileata and Ha’ato’a keep praying for a baby sister so please put a good word in for them!🙏🏽 These boys drive us nuts and we just can’t imagine another little monster running around. Haha. They are growing so fast and we are grateful that Pakileata hasn’t forgotten you and Ha’ato’a still recognizes your picture. Saimone is growing but needs some meat and to stop acting so spoiled. Is it a 3rd-born deal or what? Lol. The rest of our family is still trying to adjust to life without you, but we’re healthy and taking each day as it passes. We miss and love you so much!!!
I know you’re watching over all of us and don’t need an update on our family, but I know you miss your grand babies and are preparing another one to join us in a few short months. Pakileata and Ha’ato’a keep praying for a baby sister so please put a good word in for them!🙏🏽 These boys drive us nuts and we just can’t imagine another little monster running around. Haha. They are growing so fast and we are grateful that Pakileata hasn’t forgotten you and Ha’ato’a still recognizes your picture. Saimone is growing but needs some meat and to stop acting so spoiled. Is it a 3rd-born deal or what? Lol. The rest of our family is still trying to adjust to life without you, but we’re healthy and taking each day as it passes. We miss and love you so much!!!
Because of all the work you did here, we have been crazy blessed. Thank you for being such a people person and touching so many lives. When I look at pictures or videos of your funeral, I’m reminded how much you loved and were loved in return. Please find ways to bless all those who came to mourn with us from up above; or lead us to ways that we can bless them.
We will always miss and love you...until we meet again!
Love always,
Your daughter
