Family gathers to heal after loss of loved one
WHEN Ada Rose Seeto died two years ago after a dignified battle with cancer, she left a void in her family and community’s lives.
For the Navua and Pacific Harbour community, it was difficult to imagine that someone who had played such a pivotal role in the tourism sector would be lost in her prime.
She was 56 years young when she succumbed to lung cancer on Fiji Day in 2017.
Her youngest son, Gary, said putting into words how the family felt was difficult.
“It’s never easy losing someone who has always been the centre of your universe,” he said.
“Imagine it as the sun collapsing on itself leaving a black hole in its place.
“An entity devoid of light and even sound.
“No one knows what’s in a black hole but just because we don’t understand it doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve a purpose.”
For the Navua and Pacific Harbour community, Ada was the life of every social gathering and she played a role in the success of the now thriving Uprising Festival of Lights, Music and Dance.
Since her passing, Ada’s family — her husband Peter and children Cassandra, Stephen, Henry, Petra and Gary, and grandchildren Brandon, Meredith, George, Keohna, Abel, Mattaniah, Lance, Ada Janet and Petra Rose — has found a unique way to celebrate her anniversary.
Every Fiji Day, Cassandra Senibulu, who lives in the UK, returns home and the family celebrate mass at the Wainiveidio Catholic Church before they host a family sports day.
“Some wounds heal faster than others but for us losing our mother to a devastating illness was especially traumatising,” Gary explained.
“It’s not an easy thing watching someone who you considered the strongest woman on the planet slowly get caught up by this unfortunate disease.
“However, during the course of this illness, she focused on bringing us together as a family and on sharing her unwavering faith in God.
“Mum wanted to ensure that we were ready for her inevitable passing.
“Often times she would pull us aside and have private conversations about what life would be like without her.
“She also shared to each of us her hopes and dreams and she emphasised the need to live lives filled with purpose.
“Mum taught us one invaluable lesson, always be ready to share no matter how little is in the cupboard.
“Our home was always filled with relatives or even people who just needed a helping hand.
“We still remember her advice — ‘look after each other, love one another and stop smoking!’
“Even though we miss her, she lives in our hearts and in a way her passing has changed our lives in a myriad of ways.”
It’s never easy losing someone who has always been the centre of your universe. Imagine it as the sun collapsing on itself leaving a black hole in its place.
– Gary Seeto