Iosua Tomane has a lot to be thankful for.

But no one more important to him than his 90-year-old grandmother who motivates him to work hard everyday.

Iosua, 34, is from the village of Samatau Falelatai. 

He stays home to look after his family, especially his grandmother.

“My grandmother is all I have and she motivates me to work hard.”

 “Life is not easy but no matter how hard things get, working hard to take care of those you love is what’s most important.”

Iosua is a father of three. He said his children are in Australia with his wife. 

But he is back in Samoa to help his family.

“Right now I’m doing what I am meant to do which is to care for my family,” he said. 

Every day is a challenge. His job is to mow lawns.

“This is my assignment every morning,” he said. “I wake up early in the morning and make my way to find some grass to cut just to earn money.”

“It’s not easy because of the weather. It’s hot and humid and sometimes when it rains, it becomes even harder.”

But Iosua is not the only breadwinner for the family.

 “It’s a good thing that my brother is also helping because he works too.” 

“There are way too many things to do so we can’t just depend on one person’s wages because it’s not enough.” 

He went on to say everything he does is for his grandmother. 

“My grandmother is my life,” he said. 

“I want her to stay healthy and I want her to know I will do anything to keep her healthy and alive.”

 “She’s very strong and she is under good care.” 

 “I believe in blessings from her and when she is called, I can then move on with my life.”