Nothing worth having comes easy

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 25 February 2017, 12:00AM

Love what you do. 

That is the opinion of Atonio Galu from Vaimoso-uta. Speaking to the Village Voice, the 38-year-old believes life is meant to be tough in order to test us. 

“I live to provide for my family,” he said.

“For me, my one and only priority is my family and it is something that I would never get tired of doing.”

Atonio works at Elisa Hotel and is the sole breadwinner for the family. The father of three said he earns just enough to get by with his children.

“Money is always an issue. It’s an issue for me too but I try not to think too much of it. 

“You see money can’t buy everything, and money doesn’t buy happiness. 

“In this life, everyone goes through challenges but it’s how they respond that matters.”

Atonio said the only time he is pressed for money is when a funeral or a family faalavelave comes around.

“I think those are the most expensive occasions nowadays.”

He’s thankful he doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke.

“Otherwise all the money will go there.”

Atonio said life in his village is peaceful thanks to the hard work of the village council to make sure everything runs smoothly.

With all the challenges of today, Atonio said everyone needs to stand together and work together. 

“For me I have to make sure my family, especially my children, don’t starve.”

There is one issue that concerns him and that is the cost of living.

“I hope the cost of living doesn’t lead to increasing crime rates.

“Most parents can’t afford school for their kids and children end up as street vendors, not only that, most youth become violent and start ganging up to do illegal stuff.

“That simply means the number of crimes will increase and Samoa won’t be in peace anymore.”

 To address these issues, Atonio believes everyone has a part to play. 

“I don’t want to just sit around and do nothing. I want my children to grow up and learn from me.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 25 February 2017, 12:00AM

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