Chapter Fifteen, All About Leo Anoa'i

Inari Anoa'i✓
@InariAnoai

I can't believe the time flew by so fast! In the next couple of days, my baby Leo will be turning 18 and graduating. I'm so excited for him but I'm not ready, someone please check up on me these next few days!

6:45 PM • 5/17/24 From Earth • 186K Views

Joe and Inari took their six kids to Walt Disney World for a long-awaited family vacation. The morning started magical as the kids' eyes lit up seeing Cinderella's castle and their favorite characters.

They ran from ride to ride, fueled by excitement and sugary snacks. After about an hour, though, the Florida heat and nonstop motion started to take a toll on Inari.

As the kids begged to go on yet another ride, she felt lightheaded and parched. Her feet ached as blisters formed from all the walking. Joe noticed Inari chugging from an oversized water bottle and lagging behind the group.

Her face was flushed and dripping with sweat. He was concerned - he had never seen his energetic wife so drained before.

But Inari, not wanting to spoil the kids' fun, plastered on a weary smile and insisted she was fine.

Joe made the kids slow down and take more breaks in the shade. Inari sipped her water constantly, willing herself to keep powering through the discomfort.

She knew how much this vacation meant to the kids.

Though exhausted, she found the strength to make it through a few more hours before finally telling Joe she desperately needed to rest.

Joe admired Inari's selflessness but was relieved when they headed back to the hotel where she could recover.

The long day at the park had pushed her to her limit, but her perseverance ensured the kids would remember this as the best trip ever.

After returning home from their exhilarating family trip to Walt Disney World, it was finally time for Leo to graduate from high school.

Inari Anoa'i✓
@InariAnoai

My firstborn is a high school graduate 👨‍🎓

10:00 AM • 5/20/24 From Earth • 233K Views

On the morning of Leo's graduation ceremony, Inari woke up extra early to cook him a lavish breakfast feast, overflowing with all of his favorite foods.

As Leo sat down to eat, Inari began fussing over him, crying that her baby was leaving the nest and wouldn't need her anymore.

Leo quickly reassured his emotional mother that he would always need her, joking that he planned to continue living at home rent-free until he turned twenty-five.

"Mama's boy," Joe chuckled and shook his head.

"Leave my baby alone," Inari scolded Joe in response.

After the eventful breakfast, the family hustled to get dressed up and ready for the big event.

At the graduation auditorium, hordes of extended family members from both sides showed up to support Leo, screaming and cheering enthusiastically as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma.

As a nod to his Samoan heritage, Leo performed a traditional celebratory dance on stage, beaming with pride in his cultural roots.

The family stood up, exclaiming Cheehoo yells as Leo walked across the stage.

"That's my son!" Joe shouted excitedly over the roar of the audience.

Meanwhile, overwhelmed with emotion, Inari cried tears of joy throughout the entire ceremony.

After the graduation ceremony, Joe and his son Leo shared an emotional moment outside the auditorium building.

Leo had just walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma as his proud father looked on.

Now, standing in the warm evening sun, Joe draped a floral lei around Leo's neck in a traditional graduation gesture.

Both father and son had tears of joy welling up in their eyes as the significance of the occasion washed over them.

Joe could hardly believe that his baby boy, whom he had cradled in his arms not so long ago, was now a fully grown young man graduating high school and heading off to college.

He was so proud of the smart, kind, ambitious person that Leo had become. Leo felt his dad's strong hands on his shoulders and saw the look of pride and love on his face.

At that moment, he felt incredibly grateful for his father's years of support, guidance, and encouragement.

Nearby, Leo's mom Inari snapped pictures of the tender father-son exchange, choking back happy tears of her own.

Other family members and friends looked on, waiting to give Leo congratulatory cards with money tucked inside, balloons, and other graduation gifts.

But for now, Joe and Leo tuned everyone else out, fully immersed in their little world as they shared a few more laughs, tears, and words of love on this milestone day.

No matter where life took Leo next, the bond between father and son could never be broken.

Afterward, the family gathered at the house, where Joe had hired catering for a massive graduation slash birthday party since Leo would be turning eighteen three days after graduation.

It was a day filled with immense pride, celebration, and reflection on Leo's growth into a mature young man.

Inari Anoa'i✓
@InariAnoai

Happy 18th birthday, Leo!

8:00 AM • 5/23/24 From Earth • 287K Views

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therealinari Dear Leo,

Today is a momentous day, as you turn eighteen and become an adult in the eyes of the law. It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time, tiny and helpless. Now look at you - so grown up, kind, and responsible. You've blossomed into an intelligent, thoughtful young man with integrity and compassion.

As your mother, I am incredibly proud of the person you've become. Watching you grow up has been the greatest joy of my life. From your first steps to losing your baby teeth, from your Little League games to getting your driver's license - every milestone has been precious. You've worked hard in school, made wonderful friends, and discovered new passions like playing guitar and volunteering at the animal shelter.

Leo, you were named after your great grandfather who was a kind, honorable man. When I look at you, I see so many of his wonderful qualities reflected in you. You have his compassion for others, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His integrity shines through in your actions - you do the right thing even when no one is watching. Your great-grandfather had an adventurous spirit, exploring the world with curiosity, and you have inherited his sense of wonder and excitement.

He lived life to the fullest, and you do too, embracing each day with enthusiasm. Your great-grandfather left behind an inspiring legacy, and in you, his spirit lives on. You honor his memory by exemplifying his virtues - his courage, wisdom, and warmth. Your name connects you to the past, but more importantly, the person you are becoming gives meaning to that name. When I call you Leo, I am reminded of the great man from whom you got your name, but I am also filled with hope seeing you create your own legacy as your own person.

Eighteen is the start of an exciting new chapter. The whole world is open to you now. As you get ready for college and plan your future, remember to stay true to yourself. Follow your heart and your dreams will come true. There will be challenges ahead, but I know your determination and resourcefulness will see you through.

No matter where life takes you, I will always be your biggest supporter. I love you more than words can express. Happy 18th birthday! The best is yet to come.

Love always,
Mom
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trinity_fatu Our Leo is 18! 😭❤️🥹
nikkigarcia can't believe he is 18 🥹 Happy Birthday, Leo! 💕
biancabelairwwe Happy Birthday Leo ❤️