Fiji Sun

MOTHER’S DAY : I DON’T CELEBRATE ANNUAL EVENT

‘I don’t celebrate Mother’s Day because I’m a Seventh-day Adventist - Mere Rodan

- SEREANA SALALO Edited by Osea Bola

As families celebrate the lives of their mothers today, Mere Rodan is different because of what she believes in.

The para-table tennis athlete said Mother’s Day was about loving every day.

And as a Seventh-day Adventist, she does not observe the annual occasion.

“I don’t celebrate Mother’s Day because I’m a Seventh-day Adventist,” she said.

“I believe that Mother’s Day is every day when you are with your children, they give you a treat and that’s Mother’s Day for me.

“It’s the way we look at it, it’s all about loving your children, loving your family, loving everybody. “When you love the Lord, you’ll love everyone else. “

The 52- year old’s last tournament was at the Fiji Open Championsh­ip at Yat Sen Secondary School in October last year.

She was able to balance her sports career and motherhood with the tremendous support from her family.

“It’s not easy, it’s got to be an understand­ing between you, your children and family,” the Sinuvaca, Koro, Lomaiviti native said. “When you have their support, then you are able to go out there and take part because it needs a lot of your time, participat­ion and training every afternoon.”

She advises young mothers to always communicat­e and understand other family members.

“You can be part of anything or any sport as long as you have your family’s support,” she said.

“Be a good mother, love your God, love your family.

“Make them understand, communicat­e with your husband on what you want to do.”

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj

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 ?? Photo: File. ?? Para-table tennis athlete Merewalesi Rodan was named 2019 Wyndham Destinatio­ns Sportspers­on of the Year during the Disability Gala Awards night on March 10, 2019.
Photo: File. Para-table tennis athlete Merewalesi Rodan was named 2019 Wyndham Destinatio­ns Sportspers­on of the Year during the Disability Gala Awards night on March 10, 2019.

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