I was watching a candidate forum and the question came up about whether a candidate agreed with the policies of the President. The candidate went on to dodge the question by saying that she respects the office of the President.
I have tried not to make this blog political, but I have decided that if I keep quiet, it might be assumed that I don't have an opinion. I do. I, too, respect the office of the President, but when that person is so disrespectful to others, it is very difficult to justify that behavior.
As a school principal, our staff didn't always agree with our decisions, but the rational way to deal with that was to have open, collaborative discussions to try to resolve our differences of opinion.We may not have come to a win-win, but treating others' ideas with respect is essential to move forward on our vision for the school. Imagine if I ridiculed or put-down our staff for sharing their ideas. There would be a negative ripple effect with staff and students. If the principal treats the staff with disrespect, we would soon see the staff treating the students with disrespect. Then students would be disrespectful to the staff and to their fellow students.
Improving the culture of the workplace is a goal that schools constantly work on. When the adults like each other, they will more likely work together as a team to support the students. A negative school climate is toxic, and teaching and learning will be negatively impacted.
At a school, it starts at the top with the principal and trickles down to the staff and students and the school community. As a principal, if I ever resorted to name-calling or ridiculing someone, there would have been a complaint then an investigation, and I would likely be removed from my position.
As adults, it is up to us to teach our students right from wrong. Studies show that social-emotional learning is essential to developing positive behaviors in students, and that is why schools make time during the day to teach students to advocate for themselves, to treat others respectfully, and to work cooperatively with their peers. And yes, we need to have discussions with students when they question the disrespectful behaviors of their leaders. We need to teach them how to disagree respectfully without resorting to name-calling or ridiculing those with different opinions. It is important for us to honor our students' opinions and to let them know that they can speak up when they disagree with someone's behavior or name-calling, even if that person is the leader of our country.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Friday, October 5, 2018
Are You Bored Yet?
It's been a little over three months since I officially retired after working for 45 years as an educator -- 27 years as a classroom teacher and 18 years as an administrator. A common question I'm asked these days is "Are you bored yet?" to which I respond, "No." "Well, what do you do all day?" is the next question. Hmm . . . let's see, I go to the gym, I take our dog out for walks, I work around the house or I work in the yard. I read or I write. I have appointments. I plan for upcoming events. People look at me a bit strangely as if they're thinking to themselves, "That sounds so boring!"
Today marks the end of the first quarter for public schools in Hawaii. If I were sitting around the house with nothing to do, I would definitely be feeling it now. I loved my job right up until the day I retired. I loved the people I worked with; I loved the students; I loved the challenges; and I really loved making a difference in people's lives. But once I retired and turned the responsibility of leading the school to the new principal, I chose not to look back with regret.
I made a resolution of sorts that every weekday, I would do at least one chore so that on the weekend, I can relax. So every day, I do something like vacuuming, weeding, doing laundry, going through cabinets or drawers and purging or organizing, washing the car, cleaning windows, or working in the yard. I figure that after a few months, I should be caught up and after that, it should be easier to maintain.
After completing my task-of-the-day, I am free to do whatever I want until Randy comes home from work. Sometimes I binge-read. I've read so many great books since I retired! Other times I go shopping although I don't really need much of anything now that I'm not working. I might pick up my Mom and take her somewhere; she is almost 91 years old and lives by herself so I know she enjoys the company. I realize that for once in my life, what I do is my choice and not dictated by by schedule as a student or a wife or a parent or a teacher or a principal.
There may be educational opportunities for me in the future. I will think carefully before making a decision. As a lifelong educator in Hawaii, I believe I still have something to offer. For now, though, this retirement has been exactly what I needed.
Today marks the end of the first quarter for public schools in Hawaii. If I were sitting around the house with nothing to do, I would definitely be feeling it now. I loved my job right up until the day I retired. I loved the people I worked with; I loved the students; I loved the challenges; and I really loved making a difference in people's lives. But once I retired and turned the responsibility of leading the school to the new principal, I chose not to look back with regret.
I made a resolution of sorts that every weekday, I would do at least one chore so that on the weekend, I can relax. So every day, I do something like vacuuming, weeding, doing laundry, going through cabinets or drawers and purging or organizing, washing the car, cleaning windows, or working in the yard. I figure that after a few months, I should be caught up and after that, it should be easier to maintain.
After completing my task-of-the-day, I am free to do whatever I want until Randy comes home from work. Sometimes I binge-read. I've read so many great books since I retired! Other times I go shopping although I don't really need much of anything now that I'm not working. I might pick up my Mom and take her somewhere; she is almost 91 years old and lives by herself so I know she enjoys the company. I realize that for once in my life, what I do is my choice and not dictated by by schedule as a student or a wife or a parent or a teacher or a principal.
There may be educational opportunities for me in the future. I will think carefully before making a decision. As a lifelong educator in Hawaii, I believe I still have something to offer. For now, though, this retirement has been exactly what I needed.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Back to Blogging
Since my retirement, I was having a difficult time blogging. I promised myself I would continue to write. I’ve had some ideas for topics and I actually got started, but I was not inspired to continue and deleted them. Today, I read George Couros’ blog, “3 Ways Blogging Has Helped Me Grow as a Learner,”and I knew that I needed to get going again because blogging has been a way for me to reflect and to continue my learning.
Like George, I started blogging to experience what it would be like for our students. ("What Was I Thinking?") At the time, our students were being asked to do more persuasive types of writing as part of the Common Core State Standards. It was hard to keep going. I tried to blog regularly, but a set schedule didn't work out for me. Since I started six years ago, I've averaged about two per month. Some are better than others, and I am hopeful that readers were able to think about what I had written and apply it to themselves.
Now that I've retired after 45 years as an educator, I find myself continuing to read about teaching, leading, and learning, but I realize that as time passes, I may find new interests and new ideas to advocate for. After all, isn't that what retirement should be - the ending of one journey and the beginning of another?
During the last few months as a retiree, I've been able to binge-read books that I somehow didn't have the chance to read when I was working. I go to the gym and walk my dog regularly, something that is good for both of us since he is also getting older. I continue to purge (this will take a long time; we've lived in this house for 36+ years) and I've been able to get my hands dirty as I work on weeding and trying to be a gardener (this is definitely a work-in-progress as I have not been successful yet). It has been so relaxing!
Retirement came at the right time for me. I had prepared for it mentally and emotionally. I loved being the principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, and I still miss the people and the challenges, but it was time. I don't regret my decision at all, and I know the school continues to move forward in a positive direction under their new leadership team.
Those who read this blog know that we lost our second son recently ("Aloha, Jarand"). His passing made me realize that life is fleeting; we never know when it is our time. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to talk with people about how Jarand passed, but now, I see if as a responsibility to let others know how Chronic Kidney Disease can be prevented through early screening. This was not something I planned on doing in my retirement, but as a life-long learner and an educator, I believe this is something I need to do.
So as I write this blog post, my first in over a month, I realize that I do have something to write about. It may no longer be exclusively about education, but hopefully, writing will provide me with the venue to reflect and to continue to learn in the process. Thank you, George Couros, for getting me back to blogging!
Like George, I started blogging to experience what it would be like for our students. ("What Was I Thinking?") At the time, our students were being asked to do more persuasive types of writing as part of the Common Core State Standards. It was hard to keep going. I tried to blog regularly, but a set schedule didn't work out for me. Since I started six years ago, I've averaged about two per month. Some are better than others, and I am hopeful that readers were able to think about what I had written and apply it to themselves.
Now that I've retired after 45 years as an educator, I find myself continuing to read about teaching, leading, and learning, but I realize that as time passes, I may find new interests and new ideas to advocate for. After all, isn't that what retirement should be - the ending of one journey and the beginning of another?
During the last few months as a retiree, I've been able to binge-read books that I somehow didn't have the chance to read when I was working. I go to the gym and walk my dog regularly, something that is good for both of us since he is also getting older. I continue to purge (this will take a long time; we've lived in this house for 36+ years) and I've been able to get my hands dirty as I work on weeding and trying to be a gardener (this is definitely a work-in-progress as I have not been successful yet). It has been so relaxing!
Retirement came at the right time for me. I had prepared for it mentally and emotionally. I loved being the principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, and I still miss the people and the challenges, but it was time. I don't regret my decision at all, and I know the school continues to move forward in a positive direction under their new leadership team.
Those who read this blog know that we lost our second son recently ("Aloha, Jarand"). His passing made me realize that life is fleeting; we never know when it is our time. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to talk with people about how Jarand passed, but now, I see if as a responsibility to let others know how Chronic Kidney Disease can be prevented through early screening. This was not something I planned on doing in my retirement, but as a life-long learner and an educator, I believe this is something I need to do.
So as I write this blog post, my first in over a month, I realize that I do have something to write about. It may no longer be exclusively about education, but hopefully, writing will provide me with the venue to reflect and to continue to learn in the process. Thank you, George Couros, for getting me back to blogging!
Friday, August 10, 2018
"Why?" Questions for Education
As I reflected on discussions about education at the national and state level and my experiences as an educator for 45 years, I want to pose these why? questions for education. I don't have the answers, but I believe that these are questions we might explore if we want to make the kinds of changes that are necessary to prepare our children to inherit a world where they can make a difference. Here are some of my why? questions:
- Why are schools so "traditional" and why is it so hard to change?
- Why aren't we looking at different ways to fund the building and/or upgrading our schools to the 21st century?
- Why can't developers be responsible to build schools for the areas they are developing?
- Why do we need standardized report cards to tell us how a student is doing in school? What do grades really tell us about a student?
- Why do we need standardized tests? What do these tests really tell us that we didn't already know about a student?
- Why do we have grade level standards? What would be a better way of collecting evidences of student progress - where they started and where they are now - as opposed to where we say they need to be by the end of a grade level?
- If we value innovation and diversity, why are we so intent on standardizing education?
- Why do we keep talking about school reform? When will we stop talking and do something amazing that will keep our teachers excited about teaching and our kids excited about learning?
- Why aren't educators valued in the United States as they are in other countries?
And my most important why? question is: If we say that the 'children are our future,' why aren't we willing to invest in that future?
What questions would you add to the discussion?
What questions would you add to the discussion?
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Hooray for Twitter!
As a recently retired principal, I have time on my hands. It’s wonderful to be able to relax and not be beholden to schedules and the responsibilities of the position.
Teaching staff returned to work in Hawaii this past week. It was great to see the enthusiasm as evidenced by the Twitter posts. Around ten years ago, I started a Twitter account for school, primarily to keep parents informed about upcoming events or activities. Then I read a blog somewhere that Twitter can be an effective professional development tool. Hmm . . . I decided that there was more to this social media site than I previously thought. I started paying more attention to who I followed and what they were sharing. I also did my best to share how Twitter was helping me as a principal, but getting others on-board was a challenge.
Last year, I wrote a blog, "Connecting with Our School Communities," encouraging principals to use social media to communicate about happenings at their school. I suggested using Twitter as a starting point. Twitter is not only a way to share the great things happening at our schools; it's also a wonderful way to learn about the latest educational research, to read about other schools, not just in our state but nationally and internationally, and to make connections that can enhance how we teach and learn.
As the year progressed, I noticed more and more educators and school leaders in Hawaii being active contributors on Twitter. When the school year started this past week, there were so many photos and tweets about how the first days of school were structured to engage and empower teachers so they, in turn, can use these strategies with their students. I saw schools using problem-solving processes, going on field trips to sites in their community, learning about SEL programs,and sharing information through collaborative group work. I saw tweets about partnerships with the community and engaging parents through different types of activities. The beauty of Twitter is that it then allows schools to contact each other especially if they are experiencing the same kinds of challenges, and through the many and diverse edchats,, an educator can participate and learn from other like-minded participants. Twitter provides an opportunity for individualized professional development.
It is my hope that all educators will begin to see the value in Twitter, not just as a tool for communication, but also as an opportunity to share and learn from each other. I would also encourage these schools to explore how their students can use Twitter to enhance their educational experiences. If you haven't tried Twitter yet, create an account and see how it might work for you.
Teaching staff returned to work in Hawaii this past week. It was great to see the enthusiasm as evidenced by the Twitter posts. Around ten years ago, I started a Twitter account for school, primarily to keep parents informed about upcoming events or activities. Then I read a blog somewhere that Twitter can be an effective professional development tool. Hmm . . . I decided that there was more to this social media site than I previously thought. I started paying more attention to who I followed and what they were sharing. I also did my best to share how Twitter was helping me as a principal, but getting others on-board was a challenge.
Last year, I wrote a blog, "Connecting with Our School Communities," encouraging principals to use social media to communicate about happenings at their school. I suggested using Twitter as a starting point. Twitter is not only a way to share the great things happening at our schools; it's also a wonderful way to learn about the latest educational research, to read about other schools, not just in our state but nationally and internationally, and to make connections that can enhance how we teach and learn.
As the year progressed, I noticed more and more educators and school leaders in Hawaii being active contributors on Twitter. When the school year started this past week, there were so many photos and tweets about how the first days of school were structured to engage and empower teachers so they, in turn, can use these strategies with their students. I saw schools using problem-solving processes, going on field trips to sites in their community, learning about SEL programs,and sharing information through collaborative group work. I saw tweets about partnerships with the community and engaging parents through different types of activities. The beauty of Twitter is that it then allows schools to contact each other especially if they are experiencing the same kinds of challenges, and through the many and diverse edchats,, an educator can participate and learn from other like-minded participants. Twitter provides an opportunity for individualized professional development.
It is my hope that all educators will begin to see the value in Twitter, not just as a tool for communication, but also as an opportunity to share and learn from each other. I would also encourage these schools to explore how their students can use Twitter to enhance their educational experiences. If you haven't tried Twitter yet, create an account and see how it might work for you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Is Criticism Leadership?
Recently, a political ad proclaimed, "Criticism is not leadership," a statement that caused some controversy. As someone who was in a leadership position until my recent retirement, I reflected on my beliefs and my experiences as I thought about this statement.
There are lots of books, articles, research, and blogs about leadership, and I’ve read my share of them. Yet I believe that I learned best from those around me. I observed leaders in action and reflected on what made them successful or why they might be having difficulty. I believe that everyone can be a leader. In a classroom, all students can be leaders if given the opportunity. In a school or business, every staff member has strengths that can be maximized to benefit the organization. It takes a culture where ideas are valued and people feel confident that they will be listened to.
It is important to know the history, culture, and the relationships in order to understand the challenges and how to address them. Coming from the outside and having never been a principal was a barrier for me when I was first appointed, one I knew I would have to overcome. It would be my actions that would determine whether the school community would accept me as their leader and decide to join in the conversation about what we might keep and what we might change. I found that listening to the conversations, building relationships, and asking questions really helped me to understand the strengths and the challenges at our school and how we could continue to improve.
In my over fifteen years as the principal, our school community initiated the discussions that led to changes that eventually were implemented school-wide. Some examples are: co-teaching, inclusive classrooms; blended learning classroom environments where students have daily access to technology to explore, discover, create, and share; project-based learning where students are actively engaged and empowered to make a difference in their world; professional learning communities based on teacher interest; and school community meetings held virtually via social media.
An environment of trust is essential when a new idea is proposed. At our school, we agreed that once an idea is put on the table, we no longer "own" it. It is now open for discussion and questions, and changes to the initial idea may be necessary. Sometimes, decisions can be agreed on quickly; other times, it takes longer or the team decides to put the idea on-hold until later; and at other times, teachers agree to try out their proposal and share their progress with the rest of the team.
Not all ideas will work. And some ideas will be started in one administration and continue - and hopefully improve - under the next administration. Leadership is about recognizing that a win-win can be achieved by working together and being mindful of others’ ideas as well as any concerns that need to be addressed.
What is criticism and does it lead to better results? Criticism, according to dictionary.com is “the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding.” When someone criticizes another person’s ideas, especially without offering proposals of their own, discussion ceases or people begin to take sides. When it's the leader criticizing, staff will lose trust and the willingness to share ideas. The culture of collaboratively seeking solutions and an environment of trust will need to be rebuilt, if that is possible.
Too often in today’s world, we fail to listen to other people’s concerns and viewpoints. Empathy for others is necessary if we are to resolve our problems, not just for today, but for future generations. Rather than criticizing others’ ideas or actions, effective leaders know how to engage our communities respectfully so we can all be part of the solution.
There are lots of books, articles, research, and blogs about leadership, and I’ve read my share of them. Yet I believe that I learned best from those around me. I observed leaders in action and reflected on what made them successful or why they might be having difficulty. I believe that everyone can be a leader. In a classroom, all students can be leaders if given the opportunity. In a school or business, every staff member has strengths that can be maximized to benefit the organization. It takes a culture where ideas are valued and people feel confident that they will be listened to.
It is important to know the history, culture, and the relationships in order to understand the challenges and how to address them. Coming from the outside and having never been a principal was a barrier for me when I was first appointed, one I knew I would have to overcome. It would be my actions that would determine whether the school community would accept me as their leader and decide to join in the conversation about what we might keep and what we might change. I found that listening to the conversations, building relationships, and asking questions really helped me to understand the strengths and the challenges at our school and how we could continue to improve.
In my over fifteen years as the principal, our school community initiated the discussions that led to changes that eventually were implemented school-wide. Some examples are: co-teaching, inclusive classrooms; blended learning classroom environments where students have daily access to technology to explore, discover, create, and share; project-based learning where students are actively engaged and empowered to make a difference in their world; professional learning communities based on teacher interest; and school community meetings held virtually via social media.
An environment of trust is essential when a new idea is proposed. At our school, we agreed that once an idea is put on the table, we no longer "own" it. It is now open for discussion and questions, and changes to the initial idea may be necessary. Sometimes, decisions can be agreed on quickly; other times, it takes longer or the team decides to put the idea on-hold until later; and at other times, teachers agree to try out their proposal and share their progress with the rest of the team.
Not all ideas will work. And some ideas will be started in one administration and continue - and hopefully improve - under the next administration. Leadership is about recognizing that a win-win can be achieved by working together and being mindful of others’ ideas as well as any concerns that need to be addressed.
What is criticism and does it lead to better results? Criticism, according to dictionary.com is “the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding.” When someone criticizes another person’s ideas, especially without offering proposals of their own, discussion ceases or people begin to take sides. When it's the leader criticizing, staff will lose trust and the willingness to share ideas. The culture of collaboratively seeking solutions and an environment of trust will need to be rebuilt, if that is possible.
Too often in today’s world, we fail to listen to other people’s concerns and viewpoints. Empathy for others is necessary if we are to resolve our problems, not just for today, but for future generations. Rather than criticizing others’ ideas or actions, effective leaders know how to engage our communities respectfully so we can all be part of the solution.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Aloha, Jarand
We bid our final farewell to our second son Jarand in a Celebration of Life last weekend. Our family was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from such a diverse group of people who all were positively impacted by Jarand in some way. The stories people shared about our son were heartwarming and made us proud to have raised such a generous and caring person who made others feel welcome and included.
I grappled with the idea of going public with why Jarand was taken from us when he was just 38 years old and lived life with purpose and passion. It was a difficult decision, but one I think needs to be shared.
Back in January, Jarand went to renew his prescription for his contact lenses. During the examination, his optometrist was alarmed that his eyes were hemorrhaging and immediately sent him to the emergency room. He was hospitalized for five days while they ran tests. Jarand's blood pressure was highly elevated, his heart was enlarged, and he was diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease. How could we have missed the signs? Jarand was an active young man, and now, his world as he knew it, was about to change drastically. I was ignorant and needed to do research on Chronic Kidney Disease. I knew people who were on dialysis, but I never knew that it is called "the silent killer" because often, there are no symptoms. According to an article, "Chronic kidney disease takes heavy toll in Hawaii," 1 in 7 adults in America are affected by CKD, and the number of deaths has doubled in the past twenty years. In Hawaii, according to statistics, the number of kidney dialysis patients rose 42% between 2006 and 2014. Sobering statistics.
At first, Jarand was in denial; he insisted that he felt fine and was not experiencing the symptoms associated with CKD. To his credit, he read the information that was shared with him, listened to his doctors, followed up with his blood tests and medical appointments, took his medication, changed his eating habits (this was difficult because he loved good food and posted photos on Instagram with the hashtag 'foodporn'), took his blood pressure every morning and evening, and started exercising more regularly. He went to an information session about kidney transplants, and we were ready to be tested to see if any of us were a match for him. Whenever we called or texted Jarand, he insisted that he was doing well. After his last appointment with the nephrologist, Jarand was optimistic; his numbers were improving, and he was very close to being Stage 4 instead of Stage 5. His diligence seemed to be paying off.
On May 19, Jarand went on a Pokemon Go raid with his brother, his nephews, and some friends. When they parted, he hugged and kissed his nephews and said he would be at Jace's soccer game the next day. He called Randy and me and said he had an early appointment with some clients. He went to sleep and passed away peacefully sometime that evening or early the next day. The cause of death, according to the coroner, was Stage 4 Kidney Disease.
I share Jarand's story because so many of us neglect to take care of our health. Jarand didn't look sick. He had actually lost weight (sudden weight loss is a symptom of CKD) and I, as well as others, complimented him on how great he looked. If only I knew . . . In hindsight, we were being optimistic (or were we naive?) that if Jarand took care of himself, and if one of us were a match for a transplant, he would have a second chance at life, albeit one with restrictions. Sadly, that didn't happen.
On July 11, 2018, the Honolulu City Council unanimously approved Resolution 18-134 to name the tennis complex at the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park after our second son. We are humbled by this honor; this 20-court world-class facility hosts national as well as local tournaments, and it is well-utilized throughout the year by players of all ages. Jarand loved tennis and other sports, but he also loved coaching. He had a positive influence on his players, and they and their parents were among the many who attended his Celebration of Life. At the City Council meeting, Randy shared our testimony, then he read a card we received from one of Jarand's players:
Dear Jarand's family,
Jarand was my soccer coach when I was in middle school. We were called "Chaos!" I played soccer at MHS and then on to college at Pacific University in Oregon. I remember at one practice he made us practice celebrating because he said when we score, we were emotionless. LOL! So he made us scream & jump & even do a victory dance if we scored! I used my celebration skills throughout my whole soccer career. I am now 30 years old and am so grateful for Coach Jarand and that time he gave us . . . He coached us for free! We all loved him.
Love, Brenda Sekigawa
Brenda substitute taught and coached fitness until she became a flight attendant for a major airline. Presently, she works with youth at her church, so she is paying it forward by positively impacting other young lives just as Coach Jarand influenced her's.
We lost Jarand to a disease that is preventable. By sharing Jarand's story, I hope that all those who knew him - as well as those who will see his name at the Jarand M.Y. Iwase Tennis Complex - will take the time to get regular medical checkups so any symptoms, can be addressed immediately before it gets to Stage 4 or 5. As Glen Hayashida President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii stated, "The solution to address the issue of chronic kidney disease cannot be building more dialysis centers, but unfortunately, that seems to be the track we're on. It's just too expensive of a solution, so we really need to look at prevention. That's really the key to chronic disease."
As a parent, we never think we will outlive our child. I know that Jarand is giving us permission to tell his story so that others will not have to experience the pain of losing our loved ones to chronic kidney disease, the silent killer. Let's take the time to hug those we love a little harder, to live each day to the fullest, to treat others well, and most importantly, to take care of ourselves.
#ahuihoujarand
I grappled with the idea of going public with why Jarand was taken from us when he was just 38 years old and lived life with purpose and passion. It was a difficult decision, but one I think needs to be shared.
Back in January, Jarand went to renew his prescription for his contact lenses. During the examination, his optometrist was alarmed that his eyes were hemorrhaging and immediately sent him to the emergency room. He was hospitalized for five days while they ran tests. Jarand's blood pressure was highly elevated, his heart was enlarged, and he was diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease. How could we have missed the signs? Jarand was an active young man, and now, his world as he knew it, was about to change drastically. I was ignorant and needed to do research on Chronic Kidney Disease. I knew people who were on dialysis, but I never knew that it is called "the silent killer" because often, there are no symptoms. According to an article, "Chronic kidney disease takes heavy toll in Hawaii," 1 in 7 adults in America are affected by CKD, and the number of deaths has doubled in the past twenty years. In Hawaii, according to statistics, the number of kidney dialysis patients rose 42% between 2006 and 2014. Sobering statistics.
At first, Jarand was in denial; he insisted that he felt fine and was not experiencing the symptoms associated with CKD. To his credit, he read the information that was shared with him, listened to his doctors, followed up with his blood tests and medical appointments, took his medication, changed his eating habits (this was difficult because he loved good food and posted photos on Instagram with the hashtag 'foodporn'), took his blood pressure every morning and evening, and started exercising more regularly. He went to an information session about kidney transplants, and we were ready to be tested to see if any of us were a match for him. Whenever we called or texted Jarand, he insisted that he was doing well. After his last appointment with the nephrologist, Jarand was optimistic; his numbers were improving, and he was very close to being Stage 4 instead of Stage 5. His diligence seemed to be paying off.
On May 19, Jarand went on a Pokemon Go raid with his brother, his nephews, and some friends. When they parted, he hugged and kissed his nephews and said he would be at Jace's soccer game the next day. He called Randy and me and said he had an early appointment with some clients. He went to sleep and passed away peacefully sometime that evening or early the next day. The cause of death, according to the coroner, was Stage 4 Kidney Disease.
I share Jarand's story because so many of us neglect to take care of our health. Jarand didn't look sick. He had actually lost weight (sudden weight loss is a symptom of CKD) and I, as well as others, complimented him on how great he looked. If only I knew . . . In hindsight, we were being optimistic (or were we naive?) that if Jarand took care of himself, and if one of us were a match for a transplant, he would have a second chance at life, albeit one with restrictions. Sadly, that didn't happen.
On July 11, 2018, the Honolulu City Council unanimously approved Resolution 18-134 to name the tennis complex at the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park after our second son. We are humbled by this honor; this 20-court world-class facility hosts national as well as local tournaments, and it is well-utilized throughout the year by players of all ages. Jarand loved tennis and other sports, but he also loved coaching. He had a positive influence on his players, and they and their parents were among the many who attended his Celebration of Life. At the City Council meeting, Randy shared our testimony, then he read a card we received from one of Jarand's players:
Dear Jarand's family,
Jarand was my soccer coach when I was in middle school. We were called "Chaos!" I played soccer at MHS and then on to college at Pacific University in Oregon. I remember at one practice he made us practice celebrating because he said when we score, we were emotionless. LOL! So he made us scream & jump & even do a victory dance if we scored! I used my celebration skills throughout my whole soccer career. I am now 30 years old and am so grateful for Coach Jarand and that time he gave us . . . He coached us for free! We all loved him.
Love, Brenda Sekigawa
Brenda substitute taught and coached fitness until she became a flight attendant for a major airline. Presently, she works with youth at her church, so she is paying it forward by positively impacting other young lives just as Coach Jarand influenced her's.
We lost Jarand to a disease that is preventable. By sharing Jarand's story, I hope that all those who knew him - as well as those who will see his name at the Jarand M.Y. Iwase Tennis Complex - will take the time to get regular medical checkups so any symptoms, can be addressed immediately before it gets to Stage 4 or 5. As Glen Hayashida President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii stated, "The solution to address the issue of chronic kidney disease cannot be building more dialysis centers, but unfortunately, that seems to be the track we're on. It's just too expensive of a solution, so we really need to look at prevention. That's really the key to chronic disease."
As a parent, we never think we will outlive our child. I know that Jarand is giving us permission to tell his story so that others will not have to experience the pain of losing our loved ones to chronic kidney disease, the silent killer. Let's take the time to hug those we love a little harder, to live each day to the fullest, to treat others well, and most importantly, to take care of ourselves.
#ahuihoujarand
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