Osana shares about life and struggles

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 2017, 12:00AM

Fourty-six-year-old mother and grandmother, Osana Reti, of Le’auva’a, is no stranger to setting good examples for her children and grandchildren. 

Osana owns a vegetable garden where cabbage and tomatoes are grown.

“I grow crops,” she said.

And althougn she makes some money, she said it is not enough.

“Without money, life becomes tougher and tougher and we all understand that,” Osana told Village Voice.

“There is no doubt that money is needed for almost every facet of life.”

“When I was a youth, I did a lot of chores to help my parents.

“Back in those days we didn’t have the tools that we have today to weed the garden and cut the grass so we mainly worked with our hands.

“That’s the life we were bought up in and it’s not easy.

And with the struggles and understanding of working hard to obtain a decent life, Osana continues to challenge her children. 

“I want my children to know and understand that in the next few years life becomes tougher and they need to play smart.”

The Village Voice met Osana while on her way to the women’s seminar at her village yesterday morning.

“The seminar is for mothers and young girls to learn more basic skills,” she said.

“This is my life every day, seeking opportunities so that I can contribute to my family because we all know what life is like in Samoa nowadays.”

She said in order for parents to show their love for their children, they needed to guide them and direct them by being good role models. 

“They must plant whatever they can, and always put education first,” she said

“The prices for all the things in this country have increased from time to time and the pay people receive is not enough to cover for everyday needs. 

“For example, no matter how much money I get from selling cabbages, tomatoes and other crops, every day it’s just like I’m holding a 20sene.

“But, that doesn’t stop me, my one and only wish is for my family to survive and have a better life.”

At the end of the day, you have to learn to take the good with the bad.

“In life, every day is different,” Osana said.

“Sometimes you have bad days and there are others times you have good ones and it’s good to take the good days with the bad.

“It is also a good idea to prepare for every day that comes your way because when you have a bad day, you will surely be ready.”

“Just get ready because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

By Ilia L Likou 11 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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