Distraught father Navitalai Rokotuitai was still in a state of shock yesterday.
He was still grappling with the news that his daughter, Merewalesi Rovakanaibau, was killed with her partner in a tragic car crash on Christmas Day.
He was emotional. He wanted his daughter back.
He wanted to hear her voice once more. He wanted to see her again. He thought of the plans they had for her, and it inched out emotions. It was heart-breaking.
Life can hang by a thread. It tears at the mind, and the heart, when a loved one dies in an accident. It goes against the grain so to speak. It leaves an emptiness that can sometimes be overwhelming. Accidents, however, can happen because we allow them to.
Yesterday, his wife, Seruwaia, sat weeping by his side, too heart-stricken to say anything.
The 61-year-old from Tonia, Tailevu, said the pain was unbearable. “When I got the call from the police officer yesterday (Friday) I knew something was wrong,” he said.
“I asked the officer if she was alive and that I wanted to speak to her but then he said my daughter was involved in an accident in Kasavu which claimed her life.
“Everything happened so fast and I only wish I can hear her voice the last time.”
As we count down the days to another brand new year, we are reminded about life and how we must place value on it.
In the face of celebrations on one end of the divide, and assistance for those impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa, we have to remind ourselves about sticking to safety tips, adhering to set laws that govern how we use our roads, our many waterways and beaches, and how we plan our journeys.
While there will be thousands of people still wondering how their tomorrow is going to turn out, there are equally many who will be opting to let their hair hang loose, and lap up the festivities.
It is not because they are inconsiderate of the plight of others.
However, in the face of the many challenges they have faced this year, they will want to lap up some rest and recuperation, spending whatever quality time they can squeeze in with their loved ones.
So whatever it is you plan to do for the remainder of this long weekend, we urge you to embrace caution, appreciate and value life, and do the right thing daily.
