TeamSuperJEMs: April 2018

Tomorrow, my Mum turns 55 years young. Her name is Alice Ruth Va’a and she is one of my closest friends and most important people in my life.

Don't mind the photo from 1760 lol

My Mum was the eldest girl of eight children and in most Samoan families, that means you are your mother’s right hand. My Mum raised her younger siblings and ran the house when my grandparents were at work. At 10, she was changing cloth nappies and making lunches. She dressed, prepared and walked her siblings to school and always made sure they had everything they needed. By her teens she was the main cook, cleaner and carer. She would ration food and hide the eggs from her brothers lol and would make sure there was always enough to go around. She watched her siblings like a hawk and protected them, especially her two baby sisters. She could keep up with the boys and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. She was sporty and naturally athletic, playing volley ball and participating in track. She looked after her cousins and was a big sister to all her Awatere Cres neighbours who are now our beloved whanau, too. Even though my grandparents struggled trying to raise a family of eight, she was their rock and never complained about her responsibilities as the eldest daughter. Even now as a grandmother herself, my Mum honors my grandparents in word and in action. She takes them to their doctors appointments, does their groceries, takes them out for walks and loves them wholeheartedly with a servant heart.

Image may contain: 3 people, including Miranda Soe-Domingues

Mum and my grandparents

Typical ghetto family photo in winter

My Mum was dedicated to raising Caleb and I. She was all about that Mum life. She woke up early and went to sleep late. She stayed up with us when we were sick; sleeping with and watching over us while we slept. She prepared beautiful meals and even though we didn't have a lot of money growing up on pledges as ministry workers, she managed to ~~raise two fat children~~ make sure we were fed, bathed and well taken care of. We slept in one room (even when we moved into our 3 bedroom home of 21 years) and she would tells us stories, sing songs, make us laugh, tell us riddles and all these other wonderful things that I cherish deeply. My Mum protected us and always kept a watchful eye. We weren't allowed to go to sleepovers or hang out on the street after school ~~even though we rep the 274 like we were slangin' on the corner every night lmao.~~ My Mum always stayed home with us and I can't really remember a night she wasn't home except when Caleb was born and I was 3yo and had to look after my Dad lol. She taught me how to be responsible, kind, giving, selfless, to have initiative, to use my common sense, how to plan and organize, how to prioritize, how to care for others, not to be reliant on them and how to be independent. She was a selfless parent and devoted all her time to raising us kids and our cousins.

Ally and BP

Mum, Dad, Cee and teamsuperjems

My Mum taught me how to be a Mum. She was so gracious with me and modeled what I wanted to be for my children. She never gave me the easy way out and made sure I knew my responsibilities in it's entirety. She never encouraged me to go out or offered to watch Keal so I can go out like everyone else my age... and I am so thankful. I know it sounds strange but it taught me to sacrifice and how to manage my priorities. I never felt like I missed out on anything because of what I gained in being a parent first. I knew what my job was and Jahkeal (and now Elbrycian and Marvel, too) ALWAYS came first. I learned that from my Mum... She tough loved me and showed me the beauty of being a present Mum. She taught me how to bear the weight of motherhood and how easy it is to bear when you love your children with joyous heart. My kids adore her. They're always excited to see her because she invests time into them. She takes them on adventures, tells them stories, teaches them fun things, plays with them and always makes them laugh. She is the epitome of a great Nana and I'm so grateful to have her in my children's lives.

Fish n Chips at Mangere Bridge

Mum... You are fire. You are warmth that provides, loves and embraces. Your words give life and your presence is like a light in dark places - close enough to feel and visible from far away. Your protectiveness is like an all-consuming fire and the boundaries you set for us as children still guides our paths as adults. You are a fire that no one can put out. You are determined, hardworking and always persevere because your eyes are always set high on the King.

You are our protector and our prayer warrior. You are the greatest example of a Mum, Wife, Sister, Nana, Aunty, friend and teacher; and you are the personification of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Do you know how much I love you, Mum? I don't think I'll ever be able to express it to you in written or spoken word... but I will honor you until end, not because of how much I love you.. but because of how much you love me. Happy Birthday my best friend! Logan's shout tomorrow xo