AT the grand age of 80 years, Besila Tokaiqali has accomplished it all and can sit back and say that she has done her part.
The Naseakula native celebrated her birthday with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Labasa and around the country at a dinner gala held at the Friendly North Inn in Labasa Town.
Even though she wishes that her life partner and Kadavu native Aisea Tokaiqali was still alive to witness the event on Friday night, Mrs Tokaiqali says that she is satisfied with life and all she has achieved.
“I have never seen such a big family gathering and I would like to thank my grandchildren for making this a memorable birthday,” she said.
“I dedicate this life to God who has been my strength and wonderful companion through the hardships of life. Without God nothing is possible and I am living testament to this.”
Mrs Tokaiqali said she was proud to see her seven children, 27 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren alive and living the life they wanted with their own families.
“Being a matriarchal figure in a big iTaukei family can be challenging at times but I have learnt to leave it all to the Lord.
“I have great-grandchildren who have established themselves as doctors, pilots, and successfully residing overseas making a name for themselves.
“I want to thank all of them for donating money to this function, which I will always cherish.”
The outspoken Naseakula native resides in Labasa with one of her grandchildren.
