My grandmothers were hard-working women. I remember them today. Women who worked with their hands tolerated a lot from the men and spoiled their sons right down to their very last breath. Grandma Snow died way too young, probably from taking care of everyone else but herself. She was only 52.

She lived a life of service and everything she did was for her family, including her extended family at Vaiusu. A woman of faith and discipline. She was a strong lady, carrying baskets of vegetables on her shoulders, and helping my grandfather with the farm. She had 11 children and mum, her eldest. She had many miscarriages due to the hard labour and growing up around her was such a treat.

I was a favourite grandchild and prize giving would be the second day of bright lipstick for her. The first one would be Mother’s Day, where she would wear her shiniest puletasi from her sister in Pago and the brightest lipstick in her bag. She was so proud of her grandchildren, especially the ones who received prizes at the end of the year. It meant that we studied hard throughout the year and our parents’ sweat did not go to waste.

After prize giving, she’d give her usual lecture to my older cousins, aunties, and uncles. “If you study hard like Enid, you too will get a new dress and a party. Lelei tele si au tama. Sili Le vasega. Toaga i le aoga ae tu’u le fia fai toalua laiti”. There would be a big box of ice cream, a feast, and a big party. These were some of my fondest memories.

Nana Alma was a different lady. She wasn’t as expressive in her love but just as hard-working and dedicated. She was a very selfless woman. She truly lived for others and I still think my dad is her favourite child. I have not seen her wear lipstick in all the years I’ve known her. She passed away last year, she was 94. An amazing life she lived. She outlived all my grandparents and a few young uncles. She too, was a woman of faith.

While we celebrate Mother’s Day today, let us remember our mothers who are long gone but still here in our memories. No matter who you are, you came to this world through a woman, don’t forget that. Treasure the women and girls in your life. You may just in-still in them the right way they should be treated by the next man in their life. If you are a father, treat your wife with love and kindness. Your mother doesn’t come before your wife. They are both of value to you. Treat your daughter like the treasure that she truly is. Fail at that and you’ve failed at life. Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day with all the great things and hopefully no domestic violence cases or murders this weekend.