An elderly mother has shared her story about a her love and the sacrifices she makes to put food on the table for her family.

Lamina Usoalii is a determined and hard working mother despite her old age. She is the bread winner of her family due to her husband falling ill.

The 61-years-old lives with her husband, children and grandchildren in an open Samoan style home.

Her home is situated on the northwest coast of Upolu and 27.5 km from the Apia town area.

“The love that I have for my family gives me strength when I am tired or sick,” she said.

The mother of three recently stopped working because she had the flu.

“I came down with a flu and exhaustion, the doctor advised me to rest because my chest and back were in great pain.

“But I don’t want to stay home and rest, I wanted to have enough energy to get back on my feet so I can work again.

“I worry when my family does not have any source of income because everyone depends on me.”

Ms. Usoalii said that their family needs money to pay for transporting and the supply of water.

“For more than two years we have lived without any access to water supply.

“We use buckets and containers to collect the rain water so we can use for bathing but the water we drink and cook our food we have to pay $30.00 for a car to take three buckets to fetch water.

“Our main struggle is water and for years we had to adapt to ways we can obtain it when we do not have financial assistance.”

She added that her family uses a lantern during night time because of not having electricity.

“With the little income I receive fortnightly it is not enough to cater to our needs, our priority is food and water.

“I am thankful that we have our own plantation which my husband looks after with our children that supplies our food.

“Whether it is a taro and coconut cream meal we are more than grateful because the most important thing is the gift of life which God has blessed each of us with.”

Her children are also tasked with walking to the shop to get some bread for morning tea.

“Our only source of light at night is a lantern which we know most people in our village mock us for being the only family without electricity but that is fine we are happy despite our struggles.”

If you are willing to help the family of Ms. Usoalii please contact the number: 7251619.