Life is divided into three terms: that which was, that which is, and that which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future. William Wordsworth.

As we celebrate Mother's Day today, we ponder this insight from this English romance poet and respectfully suggest that the first term should be split into two - that which was old, and that which was new.

This split suggested itself yesterday at the unveiling of Ta'i's late sister-in-law's tombstone when four generations of her sister's family- great-grandma, grandpa, granddaughter/grandson, and great-grandchildren - took part.

Mrs Kapeneta Sei'agao Alapati McCarthy died shortly after celebrating her sixty-fifth birthday and is survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren, an older sister and two brothers.

Most of these attended yesterday's brief ceremony along with a few close friends and relatives. An older brother, Rev Nu'uausala Siaosi Si'utaia, who is in New Zealand with his wife seeking medical assistance, missed the ceremony, but their children and grandchildren were there..

No doubt other families are today remembering deceased mothers as they reminisce about their achievements and the gifts they left. Others may be mourning the loss of dear mothers and therefore the inevitable loss of worthy contributions to the lives of their loved ones left.

But large or small, deep or superficial, there is always something to learn from the past to profit us in the present, and from the present, to live better in the future, as the poet said.

As for the inevitable changes, such as the loss of loved ones, that we must endure, we have these words from Alfred Lord Tennyson:

“The old order changeth, yielding place to new

And God fulfils himself in many ways

Lest one good custom should corrupt the world.

Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me

 I have lived my life, and that which I have done

May he within himself make pure, but thou

If thou shouldst never see my face again

Pray for my soul.

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

IA MANUIA LAVA LE ASO SA O TINA.