Editor,

My name is Jane Ramona Taufa from East Palo Alto, California (USA). I am requesting to have my short story publish on behalf of my aunty Kolotina Penisoni.

I just want to clear the air with the truth from endless rumors from Tonga to USA, because it breaks my heart to know that my aunty did her best and after everything she has done she is disrespected, ignored and not given the gratitude she deserves. I want everyone to know that VInisia was well taken care of in USA by her aunty Kolotina from day one to the day she was laid to rest.

The story is as followed, after reading if you have any questions feel free to contact me via email.

I would like to be given this opportunity to clear the air with the truth and speak on behalf of my aunty Kolotina Penisoni who has been disrespectfully treated and spoken about. Kolotina Penisoni is the aunty of the late Vinisia Hefa. Before the tragedy that took her life my aunty Kolotina lovingly paid for her ticket on two occasions to come live at her home in California, USA to get a better life for herself, and to help her family in Tonga. VInisia was always respectful towards my aunty and was very grateful for what Kolotina provided for her. Vinisia worked every day and was a dedicated member to her church. Kolotina supported and is very caring and loved Vinisia, she did not charge VInisia rent or any bills while living at her house. I know that for a fact because I also lived rent-free at Kolotina's home.

From the day Vinisia stepped foot onto USA grounds Kolotina and her family was always there for her until the day she passed away. When we heard of the horrific news of her passing, it was hard for my aunty to cope with on top of other difficulties she and her family was going through at the time. But Kolotina being a strong dedicated woman I've always known her to be gathered herself together with the help of her daughter Alice Penisoni, to organize a beautiful and memorable service for Vinisia before departing to Tonga. With few a hours of sleep to none at all, Kolotina did her best and after Vinisia's service, Kolotina sent Vinisia home to her mom to be buried. I just want to acknowledge the unconditional love and hard work my aunty did for Vinisia since her hard work went without being known and was not gratified by her in-laws.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

God Bless

Jane Ramona Taufa

jtaufa [at] svsinc [dot] org