08/09/2026
As the family prepares for Dr Wadali’s fourth night, two brothers now rest side by side
There is a certain heaviness that comes with returning to a home where a loved one has passed away. Tonight, as the Natawalevu family prepares for the fourth night of mourning for the late Dr Josaia Wadali Karawalevu, the reality of his passing continues to settle in.
For those gathered, it is another evening of prayers, remembrance, stories and quiet moments of grief.
But for me, this particular farewell carries a deeper weight.
I have had the privilege of documenting many families through their final journeys. I have witnessed the tears of parents, children, siblings and friends, and have stood alongside families as they said their final goodbyes. Yet there are some farewells that remain with you long after the cameras are put away.
The farewell of Dr Wadali is one of them.
Perhaps the most painful part is knowing where he now rests.
Dr Wadali has been laid to rest beside his elder brother, Master LG Leone Gukirewa Karawalevu.
Only weeks ago, families and friends gathered to farewell Master LG. His passing was still fresh, his memories still being spoken about and his absence still being felt.
He was remembered as an educator, a brother, a father, a grandfather, a friend and a man whose life touched many people.
And now, the family has had to gather once again.
This time, for his younger brother.
The circumstances have left many reflecting on the bond between the two brothers — a bond that began in childhood and continued throughout their lives.
Today, that bond has taken on a different meaning.
They are now resting side by side.
Two brothers who once shared a home, a family and countless memories now share their final resting place.
For those who loved them, there is naturally a deep sadness in this reality.
But perhaps there is also a quiet comfort.
Master LG is not resting alone.
Dr Wadali is not resting alone.
In death, the brothers have been reunited.
As the family prepares for the fourth night, the gathering will undoubtedly be filled with memories of both men. There will be stories of their younger days, conversations they shared, moments that made people laugh and perhaps memories that will bring tears.
That is often how families keep their loved ones alive — by continuing to speak their names and tell their stories.
For a family that has experienced the loss of two brothers in such a short period, the grief is difficult to measure.
There are no perfect words for such a loss.
There is only the presence of family, the comfort of prayer and the strength found in standing together.
Tonight, as prayers are offered for Dr Wadali, there will also be a remembrance of Master LG — the elder brother who now lies beside him.
Their physical presence may be gone, but their influence remains within their families and within the many people whose lives they touched.
A Prayer for Two Brothers
As the family gathers today, may God surround them with His peace and strength.
May He comfort every grieving heart and give courage to those who find themselves struggling with the reality of losing two beloved brothers.
We give thanks for the lives of Master LG Leone Gukirewa Karawalevu and Dr Josaia Wadali Karawalevu — for the years they were given, for the people they loved, for the lessons they shared and for the memories they leave behind.
May the Almighty receive them with mercy.
May their sins be forgiven.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.
May His perpetual light shine upon them, and may His angels guide them into everlasting rest.
And to the Natawalevu family, may God continue to hold you close through the days ahead.
May He give you strength when the grief becomes overwhelming, peace when the nights become difficult and comfort when memories bring tears.
May the love these two brothers shared continue through the generations that follow.
And may their final resting place — side by side — serve as a lasting reminder of the bond that death itself could not break.
Moce mada, Master LG. Moce mada, Dr Wadali.
Your earthly journeys have ended, but your stories will continue to be told, your names will continue to be spoken, and your memories will remain in the hearts of those who loved you.
Forever our Natawalevu brothers.
May you both rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, until that day when we meet again.
