Her children were very young when she became a widow. Manatuaolealofa Faasu Tafola lost her husband, Tafola Gase, to an illness. Now, 86 years old, she reflects on life shaped by loss, labour, love and unwavering purpose.

After her loss, she returned home to Taga from Neiafu, raised her eight children with the help of her father. She turned to what she knew best, the plantation.

“I worked the land with my father, growing crops, taro, bananas and coconuts. Whatever we could harvest was sold so that we could earn money to get by,” she said,

Manatuaolealofa took on the role of being the provider for her family, most especially her young children. With the rest of her brothers working overseas, she not only took care of her children but also her father, who was her number one helper and supporter when her husband passed away.

Later, she moved to Upolu and lived with family members in Sinamoga. But ever since her children finished school and got jobs, one of her children bought land in Vaitele-fou. She is living with her children and grandchildren in Vaitele now. Her legacy grows with every grandchild who calls her grandma, every success is traced back to her.

She speaks without bitterness, just a quiet pride. Her tireless work got her children the education they needed, as they are now working with good jobs, with some in Samoa and some overseas. Of eight children, she has five daughters and three sons. Six of her children currently live overseas.

At 86 years old, Manatuaolealofa is no longer as strong as she once was. Though her strength has faded, she still insists on doing small tasks around the house. Despite her children's concern and occasional frustration, she continues to help where she can, driven by a deep desire to remain useful and independent. As she grows older, the elderly mother finds comfort in spending time with her family and more than 14 grandchildren.

For this year’s Mother’s Day, Manatuaolealofa was invited to lead the prayers of the Sunday service. However, she is not involved in any special programs as her strength, hearing, and eyesight are fading as the years go by, but she walks without needing support from her family.

Manatuaolealofa highlighted “The important thing about Mother’s Day celebration is the blessing of reaching this day, filled with happiness and unimaginable excitement”

“Happy Mother’s Day to my church family  in Vaitele-fou, all  elderly and young mothers of Samoa, our pastor, as we have reached the  celebration this year because of God's love upon us”

But most importantly, Manatuaolealofa sends her love to her children and grandchildren who are overseas and in Samoa, “Bless you all.”