Siblings Celebrate First Christmas with Grandparents
Christmas Day is extra special for the Seniuci children who for the first time were set to meet their grandparents and extended family.
A family feast had been planned to celebrate the reunion on Saturday.
Anntaullin Seniuci and Grace Seniuci have only communicated with their grandparents through video calls. School teacher Talica Kovea said her daughters did not get to visit their grandparents for the past four years as the family had moved to Pacific Harbour.
“I am a teacher at Lomary Secondary School and have been here for the past four years. My oldest daughter Anntaullin was born here so she has not met her grandparents yet. My second daughter Grace who is two years-old was also born here,” she said.
Ms Kovea said their daughters have not visit their grandparents because of a family disagreement. However, they maintained contact with each other.
Being a single parent, managing a small family while away from the extended family has its challenges.
At 33 years of age, Ms Kovea learns to independently put food on the table for her daughters.
She said this year’s Christmas celebration with the family will be really special for her daughters.
“It will be special because it is the first time for my daughters to meet their grandparents and also for me to reunite with the rest of the family. We have been planning this reunion for a while and finally it is here so we are happy,” Ms Kovea said.
Ms Kovea said the family had planned a reunion earlier, but the pandemic changed their plans.
With the easing of travel restrictions, the family had planned to reunite on Christmas day.
“We have already made preparations, brought all the groceries and items for the reunion. We will be gathering at my grandparents’ home in Nakasi.” she said.
She said her daughters have been longing to meet the rest of the family for Christmas.