As Samoa celebrates Mother's Day, one of Samoa’s newest centenarian, who turned one hundred last month, is a grateful mother. 

Tele Semu, of Tufulele, told the Samoa Observer she is extremely happy for she has reached Mother’s Day 2020 while retaining her ability to walk, talk and see properly.

“Witnessing all great things in this world at my age is a gift people rarely have," she said. "I just praise God always for giving me the chance to survive and be with my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren this Mother’s Day."

Tele is a mother to nine and a grandmother and great grandmother to over 50. 

She has three children residing overseas with their own children, who were unable to join her as she blew out the candles on the cake last month to mark her big day due to state of emergency restrictions. 

Crucially, her ability to see, understand, talk and feel remains the best gift this Mother’s Day for the centenarian.

“I think for every mother, being with their children more as they age is the best feeling and I couldn’t be any happier," she said.

Though her plans of having her children over for her birthday and this Mother’s Day was not possible due to the lockdown, Mrs. Semu could not stress more about how delighted and proud she is this Mother’s Day.

On her birthday last month, she told the Samoa Observer that her birthday wish was to live longer and witness her children enjoy lives full of blessings. 

“Firstly, I thank God for the wonderful 100 years I have lived for and I couldn’t wish for anything else on this very special day but to live longer to be with my children,” she said.

And Mother’s Day marks another special day which reminded her of that granted wish.

Asked how to live longer in her experiences, Mrs. Semu said sticking closer to God is the most important.

But she also does exercises at home, think of fresh things to avoid stress and read the bible.

Not to forget, she also has a habit of eating less meat but mostly healthy food like fruits and biscuits according to her children.

A message emphasised by Mrs. Semu for this Mother’s Day is to never take for granted the value of their children.

“Love your children as I loved mine as you will reap in the end as how I am with my children now,” she added.