Today marks the 59th birthday for my father, Alapati Iakopo "Saili" Purcell. My father is a wonderful, loving, caring, strong, hard working family man. He was born in Malaela, Aleipata, Samoa. The home of the PURCELL clan. He was born of goodly parents: Ropati and Faagalo Purcell. My father is the eleventh child of twelve children. My father married my mom in 1971 and had their eldest child Robert in 1972. I followed in 1974, then Ruby in 1976 and Dicky in 1977.
There are not enough words to express how much I admire, love and cherish my dad. In my younger years of growing, I remember my dad always working hard for our family. He was at one time a hard headed, strong willed, hot tempered young father, during his drinking days (his ulavale days). I think however, after my grandfather set my dad straight, he gave up those ulavale(hot headed/bad) behaviors and took care of our family.
My dad will always be a great example to me as a man who worked so hard to keep food on the table and clothes on our backs. He was and is the backbone of our family. I wish him a very Happy Birthday and pray that he will continue to have many more birthdays to celebrate here on this earth, in this life. I love you dad and Manuia lou Aso Fanau!!!
