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My name is Talalelei Fuatino Ualifi Lealao-Ve'e. Yes, after all those long names, my husbands last name is nice and short - Ve'e. I'm the eldest daughter to Ualifi Nu'umau Lealao and Saunoaolegutu Leilua Lealao, both of whom are back with our Heavenly Father. And my stepdad "Papa Lua", Malua Fanene. My dad passed away when I was only 10 years old, in Hawaii. He's buried at the Mormon Temple mortuary in Laie - with the rest of the Lealao family members. One of which I was named after "Talalelei", my grandfathers sister. From the day my dad passed away I had to grow up and help mom. I became not only the older sister but also the pseudo father figure. Losing a parent at such a young age, forces you to grow up very quickly.I officially have 3 brothers and 1 sister. However, I grew up in a very close knit family on my mom's side aka "Savaiians"; where my first cousins were all my brothers and sisters. Total 23 and counting, many in Samoa I haven't yet met. So I'm actually the eldest granddaughter, as well, at least here in the states. Lots of responsibility being the eldest. Guess that's why some of my siblings like to jokingly call me "grandma".I have so many blessings for which I am thankful and humbled by. Our Heavenly Father has mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, however - their loving grace and heritage lives on in each of us. They are now our guardian Angels that help guide us to strive to be better. All the teachings and their accomplishments are a challenge to us, their legacy that we strive to carry on. I truly believe they are with us always, that lil voice in our ears that help keep us on the right path. I'm blessed with a loving & patient husband...we've been through alot; each marriage has its challenges, and yet I wouldn't trade it for the world. He is and will always be my True Love - Benjamin Samuelu Ve'e aka "Sambo". Some in my family think he's a saint to still be married to me..(yeah, those that say that, I think they may be adopted.) My other BIGGEST blessing is my Sweetheart - My love, My angel, My son - Ioramo Lexington Ve'e aka "Lamo" aka "Lambo" aka "Lex" - My lil miracle. Other than my lil sweetheart....my brother Steve & Ualifi's kids are also my kiddies – Arra, Nate, Monster, Sesa, & Pudge. Not to mention all my nieces & nephews; that we continue to add to each year. We're going to need to rent a hall just for the holiday get together's. Between all of them, family functions, and church; I have a very busy, blessed, & fulfilling life. As much as I miss my mom each day - I know I have my family. My family is my life, my blessing, and for that I will always be grateful.
