Honouring parents leads to blessings

By Vatapuia Maiava 22 October 2016, 12:00AM

People believe in different philosophies in this life.

Take the issue of looking after the elderly for example.

While some people place their elders in rest homes,  Niko Tupuola from the village of Siumu believes in caring for his own.

The 25-year-old has dedicated himself to looking after his parents until they are called home. Being the only male youth in the house, he does his best every day to help his little family out.

“The reason I am doing this work is to help take care of my family,” he told the Village Voice.

“I go to the coconut plantation and I husk the coconuts before transporting it using my horse. I work with my dad so I can help him out.

“I am the only child left here at home to look after my family. My other siblings have their own lives now with their families.”

Niko says that taking care of his parents is very important to him and that he will get blessed from his good work.

“Taking care of my parents is very important to me,” he said.

“Many people in this world try and dodge the responsibilities of taking care of their elderly, even their own parents. They don’t realize that this is where the blessings come from.

“The Lord will bless those who take good care of their elderly. I leave with my mom very early in the morning. At that time it is very dark.”

Spotted as he was transporting coconuts with his horse, Niko says that going to the plantation every day is necessary for the well being of his small family.

“The coconuts I just finished gathering will go towards meals for the family and feeding the pigs,” he said.

“There is no one currently employed in our house. We rely heavily on what we get from our plantation. We also receive help from family members overseas.

“Even though we are relying a lot on our plantation and we don’t earn much in our family, everything is good with the family.

“We have our needs met and we are doing well for ourselves.”

Furthermore, the young caretaker says he prefers life in the village to that of the urban areas.

“Living in the village is very peaceful; I prefer life out here to living in the town areas,” Niko said. “For those living close to the urban areas, if you don’t work and earn money then you won’t eat. It’s different out here. Even if you are unemployed you can still live off of the land.

“If you finish you chores in the morning then your whole day will be free; there’s not much to do out here. That’s why I love the village life.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 22 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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