Viliami Talo Fiefia and I met as young primary kids at church. Our parents were both converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and at the time, there was only one Tongan Ward (congregation) here in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. The only thing I really knew about Talo back then was that his dad was the chorister and his family sat in the front row at church. 🤷 As the ward grew, the need to split the ward in two (2) arose and that was pretty much the last we saw of each other in the mid-1990's.
His message certainly caught me by surprise, but to be honest, I didn't really think anything of it. I just remember being surprised that he messaged me out of the blue and touched by his life story. At this point in my life, I wasn't in a relationship nor was I really looking for one. Since Talo and I didn't really have anything in common, I didn't think we were really going to be actual friends. I was traveling quite a bit at this time and we continued to message on and off for a few months. I thought that would be the extent of our friendship/relationship, but apparently he had other intentions. 😂
After months of texting and messaging, we finally went out on our first date on May 7, 2019. We went to Carrabbas Italian Grill in Hurst followed by a movie at Rave North East Mall. I was too shy to ask for a picture or sneak a picture because it was our first time to see each other in decades but I low-key wish I had just for documenting purposes. Movies are great, but they don't allow folks to get to really know each other well so we planned a second date where we could do more than just sit. A City Scavenger Date was the perfect date because we got to know our city better, get our steps in and work together to accomplish a task. lol. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. 🤷
We spent the next couple of months going on dates and getting to know each other. He spoiled me and I was really enjoying all the attention. But I still wasn't sure how I felt about him at this point. The only things I knew for sure were that he was a hard worker, he was kind and he was showing some interest in me.
One day we were planning to grab a bite to eat and I was surprised that he showed up with flowers and candy (for me to snack on at work). It was then that I knew I needed to stop taking advantage of his love and attention and have "the talk". I felt bad that he was constantly showering me with gifts, lunch money, etc and I wasn't reciprocating the same love and attention. It wasn't fair and I certainly didn't want to lead him on.After grabbing food and enjoying our meal, we decided to take a walk and enjoy a swing set together. Who doesn't love being a kid sometimes? 😉 We swung and laughed then jumped into our serious conversation.
One of the things we needed to talk about was where we were headed in life and more importantly, how much of a priority did we see our faith playing a role in our lives? Both being raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we agreed that having an eternal family was important to us and that a temple marriage was something we both want in life...when the time is right. We also agreed that it wasn't going to happen over night and I wanted Talo to understand that it would happen when he was ready, not on my time table.
While we were conversing, Talo shared with me how much he prayed in prison that I would still be available when he got out and asked, "is that creepy?" I laughed and told him, not at all. I understand that my laugh may seem contradictory, but life is funny. Especially when we think that no one cares about us or that there's no hope for us in this life. I shared with Talo how my patriarchal blessing states, "In due time a worthy priesthood holder will accompany you to the house of the Lord..." This simple statement has given me so much hope through my young adult years. Talo may say that his prayers were answered learning that I wasn't dating or married when he got out of prison, but my prayers are certainly being answered too. 
After our "talk", Talo and I started attending a weekly Institute Class so that we were easing him back into a spiritual atmosphere. He wasn't quite ready to attend a Tongan ward, and I didn't want him to be uncomfortable or feel pressured to attend just because I did. I had been going to church by myself for years and I had no problem continuing on.
Our institute class was in Dallas a few exits before the temple so occasionally, we would drive there and enjoy the temple grounds. Plus, it never hurts to remind ourselves of where we want to go someday. 😉 Since the fall of 2019, we have started attending Sacrament meetings in the Tongan Ward (Euless 2nd Ward) and working with Bishop Metui Pauni to make our way to the temple. I'm not sure when the "big day" will be, but I know it'll come when we're both ready and on the Lord's timetable.
I know there are a lot of details I've left out in regards to our dating life, but this post really started because of Valentine's Day so let me get back to that. Like I said, Talo has worked really hard over the last 2.5 years to make our dream of an eternal marriage happen and there's not enough money in the world to show my gratitude and appreciation for all that he's done. Merriam-Webster defines valentine as a sweetheart chosen or gift and that's exactly what Viliami Talo is to me. 💘
Here are some of my favorite things about him:
- He loves me, his family and mine!💙
- He has been praying for me since before we even reconnected and continues to pray for me, more than I pray for myself.💖
- He is constantly striving to be better as we prepare for the house of the Lord - quitting old habits and starting new ones 😌
- He has an immense amount of drive and determination - I don't know any other guy who would've fought so hard for my heart and I get so emotional knowing all the things he's trying to make happen as we prepare for our future.💗
- He puts up with my attitude and female indecisiveness. 😯
- He's a Dallas Cowboys fan! ☆
There are so many other things that I love about him, but these are a few of my favorites. This post is starting to get too long so let me save the rest for next year. 😂 No but really, I am grateful for a loving God who knows me and is mindful of who I am and my needs. I have met several great men in my life, but I know that the Lord saved Viliami Talo just for me!!! Without the Lord's guidance in our lives, we wouldn't have found each other. And only with His help will we accomplish all that we hope for our future family.
Viliami Talo,
You are my chosen sweetheart and an eternal gift that I hope to always cherish, honor, love and respect. I know that the road we've traveled to get where we are today has not been easy. We've endured our fair share of bumps, pot holes and flat tires BUT the Lord has always provided the tools and equipment to fix those problems and He will always be there when we need.
Mary Ellen Edmunds once said, "When it's within our power to give love, we should never withhold it." I promise to never withhold my love from you...especially if it's tough love! haha No, but really! I promise to love you through the good times and the bad; to be patient, communicative and understanding. I promise to love you and your family just as much (if not more) than you love my family and me.
I promise to stand by your side and support you in your dreams. I promise to kneel beside you through our sorrows. And I promise to pull you into the light when any darkness tries to overcome you. I will be your "help meet" in this life and the next (should you choose😉).
I'm not sure if we'll get to see each other today. So if the snow decides to keep us separated, just know that our love will always keep us connected. Okay - I'm done being soft and cheesy. haha.
Happy Valentine's Day, my love! ~ ofa atu 💓
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