Many siblings go through fluctuating relationships during their younger years, particularly in their teenage years. However, as they grow into adulthood, leaving their childhood homes and starting families of their own, they often begin to view each other as equals and close friends. Research has shown that a strong bond between siblings in early adulthood can lead to greater resilience in old age, with reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
This sentiment is evident in the lives of three siblings from the village of Tukavesi, located in Buca Bay between the districts of Tunuloa and Cakaudrove. Aseri Tavuna Vakabua, 92, lives with his younger sister Miriama Maiwaidranu Vakabua, 88, while their sister Vika Vakabua, 84, resides a few houses away with her daughter but always keeps her heart close to her elder siblings.
The trio attributes their strong bond to their family and religious upbringing, rooted in the Christian values of love and kindness. In a world often divided by envy and resentment, the story of the Vakabua siblings serves as an inspiring example of familial love.
Miriama acknowledges the challenges of living together due to their ages and personalities but emphasizes the importance of caring for each other as siblings. She ensures that Aseri, who has been fragile and ill recently, receives the right nourishment and stays healthy.
Miriama often gathers herbal medicine from the nearby forest to help Aseri maintain his health, believing strongly in its efficacy over modern remedies. She recalls a time when she used specific herbal leaves to cure Aseri of a serious ailment, allowing him to avoid surgery.
In the meantime, Vika dedicates herself to cooking and delivering meals to her siblings every day without fail. She finds fulfillment in serving them, driven by the belief that family should support one another through life’s ups and downs.
Vika’s meals typically consist of boiled foods, but she occasionally changes things up, just as she did on the day of a recent visit when she prepared fried eggplant for lunch. While reflecting on her younger days when she fished to provide for the family, she now focuses on nourishing herself and her siblings with garden-fresh produce.
Aseri, who reflects on the keys to a long life, credits his good health to making wise lifestyle choices, such as avoiding alcohol and smoking. He encourages younger generations to prioritize healthy living, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid stress.
Miriama also highlights her spirituality as a factor in her longevity, emphasizing the importance of prayer and scripture in her daily life. Both she and Aseri feel fortunate to have a caring sister like Vika, whose unwavering support makes a significant difference in their lives.
The Vakabua siblings exemplify how family can shape one’s values and behaviors. Their story illustrates that siblings raised in a nurturing and loving environment foster deeper connections and care for one another throughout the challenges of life, reinforcing the belief that relationships grounded in love, respect, and empathy can yield immeasurable blessings.