Fiji Sun

Father and Son Remember Late Mum

- LAISA LUI LABASA Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Constable Mereseini Adimaisalu­salu passed away in June after battling breast cancer for 15 years.

She was the lone officer of the Fiji Police Force from the Northern Division to pass away during the September 2020-September 2021 period.

Constable Adimaisalu­salu served in the Community Policing unit

and was in the service for more than 20 years.

It was an emotional moment for her husband, Sakaraia Talatu and their 10-year-old son as they laid a wreath for her during the Fiji Police Remembranc­e Day at the Labasa

Police Station on Wednesday.

Last Moment

The late Constable was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and had undergone two surgeries during her silent battle.

Looking back at the life of his late wife, Mr Talatu said: “At times when she returned home from work, we could tell she was in pain, and we would let her rest while we prepared dinner.”

“I took up the responsibi­lity of looking after our son, cooking, cleaning, and shopping, preparing for the time that she would actually leave us.

“It was unbelievab­le when she first told me of her diagnosis. Until the doctor confirmed it to me that she was at the last stages in November and there was nothing that could be done, but to supply oxygen and keep her happy- that was when I finally came to accept it.

“Fifteen minutes before her last breath she asked me to hold her as she wanted to go,” Mr Talatu said.

He said she was a faithful woman of God and remained optimistic despite her health diagnosis and the agony.

“She taught me a valuable lesson, to have faith in God as no one superseded God’s decision.”

He said the late constable was a jovial person, always smiling and never gave in to her sickness as an excuse to stay away from work.

“She was always available on call and went out to serve the communitie­s.

“We thank the Fiji Police Force for inviting us to be part of this Remembranc­e Day and for their continued support.

“We miss her dearly; our son Jacob misses that motherly love that is irreplacea­ble.”

 ?? ?? Sakaraia Talatu and son Jacob Talatu during the Police Remembranc­e Day at the Labasa Police Station on September 29,2021. (Inset: The late Constable Mereseini Adimaisalu­salu).
Sakaraia Talatu and son Jacob Talatu during the Police Remembranc­e Day at the Labasa Police Station on September 29,2021. (Inset: The late Constable Mereseini Adimaisalu­salu).

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji