Alieta Pela Kinikini

Dear Alieta Pela Kinikini,

Three and a half months ago during a routine anatomy ultrasound, we found out that you had some major abnormalities in your fetal development. Your survival after birth was uncertain, and the medical procedures you would require would greatly tax your fragile little body. The news sent a cascade of emotions sweeping over us, we were sad, and anxious, but also deeply grateful, and hopeful. All your family members, along with your loving parents Tevita Muli Kinikini, and Almadean Aialani Aiono, put our complete faith and trust in our Heavenly Father through prayers and fasting. We know that he is a God of miracles, and that he heard every prayer offered in your behalf. Your parents kept us updated with your progress, and we especially loved receiving your cute sonogram photos.

Before birth your mom talked about how strong and active you were, your dad would serenade you with his guitar, and your buddies Kobe and Marley seemed a little more protective over your moms every move. You were so loved and wanted, long before you arrived.

As time drew closer to your due date, the excitement to meet, hold and kiss you, was rapidly growing. On Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:00pm you were born at the University of Utah hospital, in Salt Lake City, Utah. You weighed 6 lbs 6 oz. Your parents were elated to greet you; you were the perfect little bundle of joy everyone had prayed for.

Your first few hours of life were spent sharing special moments with your parents, that have now become sweet memories. They memorized your beautiful porcelain face, felt the weight of your tiny little body in their arms, heard your first cry, they noticed the smallest details about you, the way your legs crossed, the softness of your breath, the curl of your fingers, and how combing your full head of jet-black hair gave you satisfaction. They got to shower you with kisses, feed and bathe you, change your diapers, caress your chubby cheeks, whisper sweet nothings in your ear, cry, love, laugh and pray over you.

Despite the reality of what was to come, witnessing the tender moments you shared with your parents was the unequivocal answer Heavenly Father had blessed them with.

You were born with a single heart ventricle, Caudal regression syndrome; a rare congenital disorder that affects the development of the lower spine, and Truncus arteriosus; a rare congenital heart defect that affects how the blood flows out of your heart. With these complications you needed a ventilator to help with your vital functions, which included breathing. You were lit up like a sparkling Christmas gift, with all the lights, wires, monitors…and the cute little white bow wrapped tightly around your head. You were nothing shy of a delicate miracle, and gift to us all.

We knew your name before you were born. You’re named after your mom’s older sister Alieta, she goes by the nickname Leka. Your aunty Leka is currently battling cancer, she is strong, resilient, and courageous and loves you so much. In the heartbreakingly short time we had with you, you displayed those same attributes.

Your mom nicknamed you “little rotisserie chicken”. We all call you that now!

Because your life was so brief, we might be left imagining what your temperament may have been…however there is no reason to guess, because you showed us little glimpses of your personality. Like opening your eyes at the perfect time, to reassure your grieving loved ones you could hear them. Or fighting for a life that would never realize unspoken dreams and possibilities. And choosing to come to earth to gain your mortal body, as part of your eternal covenants, knowing your time on earth would be painful and limited. You are strong, you are thoughtful, you are brave.

Alieta were so adorable, it was hard to take our eyes off you. You inherited your mom’s fair skin, cute button nose, and thick black hair. You got your slanted eyes, hairy body, and buffness from your dad! I think it’s safe to say you would have had your moms quiet, nurturing, sunny disposition, and your dads protective, always shows up, and work behind the scenes attitude.

Sweet Alieta, you are so loved. Primary Children’s Hospital NICU waiting room, was filled to capacity every day you were there. With your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, and family friends. Your room was never empty, someone was always pampering you at bedside, singing echoed in the halls, tears of joy and sadness were frequent, family paparazzi were all around you capturing your every move, and wonderful memories were being made.

Your parents made the difficult decision against the option of surgery, as the outcome would be the same. They didn’t want you to suffer or feel discomfort in any way. They wanted you to experience the limitless love, support, hope, and joy your family had to offer.

On October 29, you were given a name and Priesthood blessing by your dad who was accompanied in the circle by Bishop Lotulelei, your uncle Kala and your big brothers Senituli, Tini, and Iloa.

The very next day Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:03pm you took your last breath peacefully in the arms of your dad, with your mom by his side, and those who loved you gathered tightly around the room. You weighed 7 lbs 7 oz.

Alieta, your gentle spirit taught us that every life, no mater how brief, carries the power to transform the hearts of those who love them. You expanded our hearts, and filled them with a lifetime of love, and the gentle reminder that Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

We learned that healing comes in small moments, a lullaby hummed in quiet nights, a tender embrace when words fail, a personal prayer for peace and comfort, and the collective strength of a family united by love.

The world may never notice, if a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom.

Or even pause to wonder, if the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms or ever comes to be.

Touches the world in some small way for all eternity.

The little one we longed for was swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was planted is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty, our hearts know what to do.

Every beating of our hearts from here on out says that we love you.

Today, as we gather to honor your memory, there is sorrow, but we celebrate the profound beauty of your existence and rejoice in knowing that through our Saviors sacred Atonement, we will be reunited eternally.

God be with you til we meet again Sweet Alieta! We love and miss you with all our hearts! May you continue to be a guardian over your parents’ dreams, a glimmer of light in their darkest hours, a whispered promise of hope, and an everlasting testament to us all, that Heavenly Fathers plan is perfect, certain and true.

Alieta is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Senituli Sosaieti Kinikini, her maternal grandmother Anapela Latu Petersen, her aunt Alei Aiono, her brother Christopher Manu, and her nephew David Arlin Kinikini.

Alieta is survived by her parents Tevita Muli Kinikini, and Almadean Aialani Aiono. Her paternal grandmother Ana Moala Kinikini, her maternal grandfather Tuiumi Roy Aiono and his wife Tainalupe. Her aunts Tofi, Sela, Priscilla, Otilani, Hola, Auhangamea, Alieta, Anina, Aliana, and Chanaya. Her uncles Peni, Sione, Tui and Bronx. 15 sisters, 12 brothers, 21 nieces and nephews with one on the way, and lots of amazing in-laws.