Bitter sweet memory

By Ioana Tupa'i 21 December 2017, 12:00AM

It was a bitter sweet moment for a mother of four as she walked up to the podium to receive her daughter’s certificate yesterday. 

Eseta Maiava joined the 369 National University of Samoa Institute of Technology (N.U.S.I.O.T.) graduates at the N.U.S. gym at Le Papaigalagala. 

Memories of her late daughter, Roketi Maiava, flashed across her mind as she received her daughter’s Certificate II in Tourism and Hospitality (food and beverage). 

Eseta is the mother of 19-year-old Roketi, who passed away two weeks ago. 

In tears, she told the Samoa Observer that she was proud of her daughter’s achievement despite her untimely death. 

Eseta described her eldest daughter as a shy and humble person. 

Friends and families of graduates present at the ceremony clapped with heartfelt appreciation as Eseta received her daughter’s award. 

“We have a good relationship with my daughter." 

“She was aiming to find a job in the tourism industry." 

Eseta said her daughter went missing for three days. 

“We informed the police about it and there was a search, however she was found and it was too late."

“When she was found, up until she was laid to rest, I did not have any chance to look at her one more time or any of our family members.”

As a mother, Eseta said it was a struggle to lose both her husband and daughter this year. 

By Ioana Tupa'i 21 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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