Monthly Archives: March 2016

In our toughest times all we can do is try our best to be the best person we can be. Sometimes only our ancestors know what really happened during our darkest hours when the truth gets lost in the weave of conflict.  We mustn’t be sad or angry by the negative outcome, but strive forward through gratitude and compassion, which will fire our engines to transcend us to a higher level of love.

On Sunday February 28, 2016, as President of  Jodo Shu Hawaii, I made a speech thanking our Fujinkai, an organization of women within Jodo Shu Hawaii, many of whom are in their golden years and were friends with my grandma.  As I thanked them for all the love and compassion they have given to their loved ones and to our organization, I held back my tears that were welling up in my eyes.  I told them how influential grandmas, mothers and sisters are in our lives.  I mentioned about the single mothers who are doing their best to make the most of their difficult situation and instill the values into their children that you – you’re generation have taught them.

Today, after a tough day, I told my mom how much I loved her.  Since I was young, she made me believe that anything is possible.  I also appreciate my dad, who shaped me through his strict style, but yet taught me compassion through all the volunteer work he did for my sisters and I, as well as our community.  I’m also lucky to have my younger sisters who have caring hearts and have been with me through the ups and downs.  Through my family, I’m able to strive for big goals, withstand my failures, and reinvent myself with new goals. It’s this appreciation of how lucky I am to have them that keeps me moving forward.

I dedicate the song below to you: