Roots...

They say to know where you're going you have to know where you came from.  Like most people, my family helps me do that.  Granted, most of their "help" is unsolicited, but for the most part it's needed; I'm just too stubborn to say so.
  
This is one of my favorite pictures of all time.  Most of us would probably say we've had better ones taken of us where we look less "a mohe" (like we just woke up), but none of them were taken this day.  

We came together this day on my Finau side of the family because we had all just learned that Grandma Petesi was diagnosed with cancer and was given 3 months to live.  All her children were there, the majority of her grandchildren (only a couple were missing) and her second generation grandchildren were there.  We sat together as a family sobbing and laughing.   One by one we expressed our deep love and appreciation to the matriarch of our family for doing what she has always done best...bring us together.

Although she went on to live for almost a year after her diagnosis, for me she was gone too quickly.  On a daily basis I wish I could see her, hear her laugh, or complain about her calling me too early in the morning.  She had an invaluable effect on her grandchildren.  We speak of her often and nothing can completely fill the void she's left behind.  

I wish my son had a chance to meet this amazing woman, who hands down, had the biggest influence in making me the person I am today.  But he will not...and that makes me beyond sad.  I try not to let my mind wander into thoughts of her, even the happy memories bring tears that are difficult to control.  In every way she is a mother to me, a grandmother, a tangible example of unconditional love.  Because of her, I know what pure love is, how it can change a life, and a generation. 

If she had it her way she'd still be here, surrounded by her grandchildren, changing diapers with one hand and feeding a baby with the other.  Joking with us about issues with our husbands or boyfriends that we could never talk to our own mothers' about.  Burning yet another dinner because she was outside taking a walk with our kids.  Grandma would live forever if she could and in her own way she does.  Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren...even in her absence she continues to do what she does best...bring us together.  

Ofa atu Grandma.