Mama Annie

Here is a bit of history about one of our Fijian Mamas (as transcribed by Jenny):
Mama Annie is a mother of 4 children and a widow since March 17, 1997. Her youngest daughter married after her first suitor came to ask for her hand in marriage. Although at first hesistant, as she would have liked to have continued working to support her mother and younger brothers, Annie reminded her daughter of the Fijian custom that women should accept the first suitor "to come into the house." Annie also asked her what her deceased father would have wished. Remembering a conversation on March 12th, only 5 days before his death, Annie's daughter remembered his reiteration of the Fijian custom and that she should respect the wishes of her mother. Mama Annie, honoring the tradition, agreed to the marriage. Annie now lives with her daughter, son-in-law, their first born child and the unborn baby on-the-way. Annie works 3 weeks on Mana Island and then returns to the mainland for 3 days to be with her family. She sees her grandchildren, whom she loves very much, quite often. She makes 5o Fijian dollars per week.