The enduring role of mothers

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 February 2018, 12:00AM

A mother’s obligation to her children never ends. 

That is the notion that Logolelei Su’a lives up to when it comes to her children. 

Mrs. Su’a was in Savai’i when Tropical Cyclone Gita struck Samoa over the weekend and as soon as there was transportation she had to come visit her children in Satapuala and Faleatiu. 

“I was in Savai’i visiting my other daughter there when the cyclone struck and I was dying to come home to see my other children here. 

“As a mother, there is nothing more difficult than waiting to hear of news from your children, whether they are alright or not. 

“I came on Tuesday here (Satapuala) after visiting my other children in Faleatiu. 

“Look at the aftermath of Gita it’s ripped apart the roofing of the house.” 

The Village Voice team visited Mrs. Su’a while she was weaving laufala leaves for their roof to replace what was damaged by the cyclone. 

She then spoke about the condition of their house and how she would do anything to help give a better home for her children who are fishermen. 

“You see our house, there are holes in the ceiling, there are big cracks on the floor on that side and that is why we need a new home, but unfortunately, we cannot afford it. 

“Our family depends on the ocean and the plantation to get financial assistance, but even with that is never enough to build a steady house for my children. 

“So with my five children, who are all boys, none of them have a steady job, they either fish or work the farm. We have access to food all the time, however we lack finances to build a better home,” said Mrs. Su’a. 

The 67-year-old mother said while it’s time for her children to be looking after her, she believes that her duties to help as a mother never ends until her last breath. 

“I am thankful to see my children and as you can see I am still weaving the leaves to help with our roofing. 

“I know that this is my duty as a mother to help in any way I can, whether it be cooking, cleaning or doing this, but this is the role I play in taking care of our family.  

“At times I am weak as my hands are not strong enough to weave the laufala leaves, but I do because in my heart, this is my duty to help my children. 

“And it may not be much, but it is something that I live for to help make their lives a little easier,” said Mrs. Su’a. 

The mother is thankful that while her son’s residence has been damaged badly as a result of the cyclone, she’s much more thankful that no one was injured. 

“As a mother, the last thing we want to hear is that my child has been injured, it will send shivers down my spine and for that I am thankful to God,” said Mrs. Su’a. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 February 2018, 12:00AM

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