An 82-year-old woman has urged mothers to be thankful for the gift of life as they celebrate Mother’s Day for another year.

Niuvai Leitula Matai'a, of Tufulele, told Samoa Observer that she is thankful to have come this far and all mothers should celebrate the day and thank God as there are some who passed on and did not live to see this day.

"What’s most important is the love of God; I thank the Lord that I’ve made it again this year for Mother’s Day, it didn’t come unexpectedly because I know he’s answered my prayers,” she said in an interview.

“May all people and especially all the mothers of the world be blessed as we celebrate Mother’s Day this year. I’m now 82 years old, and I want to thank the Lord through praying every day and we shall commit everything we do unto him."

Asked what she will be doing for Mother's Day, Niuvai laughed and said that she will be reciting a scripture in church on Sunday when they have their Mother’s Day service. 

Niuvai also used the opportunity to advise young mothers on the importance of Mother's Day. 

"My advice to young mothers who have just experienced motherhood is to depend on the Lord and know the essence of Mother's Day. Do not waste the opportunity of motherhood," she added.

Niuvai's daughter also shared that her mother gets hard-headed at times when she is told to get into the house. 

"She does the usual chores, usually weeding our garden outside that’s why it’s nice and tidy outside. She’s always doing something and we always tell her to come inside and have a rest because she’s always out in the sun. She’s a bit hard-headed at times when she’s told to stop working and come in the house," she said laughing.