I’ve had the privilege of being married to Vivian for almost 28 years.

I love my wife for the reasons you cannot see.

Most people know Vivian as a very public person. They see her out in the community, working tirelessly, taking on leadership roles, and standing in the spotlight. But those are not the reasons why I love her.

I love her for what she is first: a wife and a mother.

As a mom, there’s so much that people don’t see.

You might see her at games or school events. But you don’t see what happens behind the scenes. You don’t see her being present all day and then working all night. You don’t see her coming home late and still finding the energy to bake birthday cakes so they’re ready in time for her to play “Las Mañanitas” in the morning.

You don’t see the midnight laundry, the uniforms laid out the night before, the backpacks checked, or the emails to teachers and coaches.

You don’t see the early morning moments when, no matter how busy or tired she is, she sits with our kids (the OG facetime) having real conversations and asking about their day, their friends, their classes.  She is a mom who is fully invested in her kids’ lives.

You don’t see the red-eye flights across the country just so she can be there, not just for milestones, but for the everyday moments that matter.

As my wife, she shows up the same way for me and our extended family. 

It takes a lot to run a household. It takes a lot to balance family, faith, and responsibility. Vivian doesn’t do anything halfway. If she’s in, she’s ALL in.

She is a woman of deep faith, committed to her family, her church, and the values that guide everything she does.

When she went back to school at 49 to finish her doctorate and earned it at 52, that was who she’s always been: someone who refuses to quit, who follows through on her commitments, and who sets the example for everyone around her.

That same commitment carries into everything else she does.

In the community, I’ve seen her show up for people again and again. I’ve seen her take the extra time, make the extra call, and go the extra mile because she believes people deserve it.

In her work with the ILWU she gives so much of her time educating members and encouraging others to get involved.  When she was the Benefits Officer for Local 13, I saw a side of her that most people never will.

She spent countless hours reviewing letters from medical providers, analyzing reports, writing detailed responses, and taking calls from members well beyond the normal workday. Late nights, weekends, in the car—wherever we were, she made herself available. She spoke at funerals and visited widows in their home on her own time. 

God has gifted her with the ability to write and communicate clearly, and she used that gift to fight for people. She prepared full and fair reviews, represented members in arbitrations, and helped secure real benefits and protections that changed lives.

Most of that work was never visible. It happened in quiet conversations, one-on-one moments, and long nights of advocacy.

That’s why I love my wife.

She shows up in ways that matter. Fully. Every time.

This weekend, she’s going to try to step away from the campaign for a day because it’s my birthday. I asked for a family weekend, and even then, she said, “Ok, but I still need to campaign.”

We’ll celebrate, but I know she’ll still be making calls, organizing, and working to get across the finish line. That’s just who she is. Her energy, her drive, and her commitment are unmatched. 

Today, I’m not asking you do donate in honor of my birthday. 

I’m asking for something more meaningful. I’m asking for your time.

If you can spare an hour or two to help her campaign, it would mean a lot to me. It would be the best birthday gift I could ask for.

You don’t have to live in Long Beach to help. We have volunteers making calls from out of state. A volunteer is a volunteer.

If you can make phone calls, we will set you up. It’s simple.

Vivian has set a goal to reach 3,000 voters before Election Day, and we’re working every day to make that happen. We need your help.

If you’d like to give me a birthday gift, please click the photo below and sign up to make calls:

Here we are with our firstborn, Chloe, knocking on doors in our neighborhood. 

You’ll be supporting our family, supporting Vivian, and becoming part of something that truly matters.

Thank you and God bless,

George Malauulu

Vivian's Husband