My mission is not to debate or vet the validity of these statistics or to “drop dimes” on fathers who are missing in action, because many fathers are doing the best they can with what they have.
I will say that my role as a grandpa to Brandon Revell is to stand in the gap and be a part of the solution.
The challenge for me is how I will move Brandon from adolescence and the so-called “turbulent teen years” to adulthood.
Essentially, the questions are: How do I provide my grandson with roots and wings? How do I build on, augment and refine the foundation his parents sought to put in place.
While there are several components involved in this challenge, one immediately comes to mind as a key — education. Instilling in Brandon an appetite for learning is a critical component of helping him to be a successful human being.
I was given legal custody of Brandon in 2014, when the roles of surviving spouse and single parent were added to my already full plate as a full-time soldier.
As Brandon and I navigated and developed our new relationship together, I could see he was a bright kid who was full of untapped potential. However, academically, he was on life support — and the situation was critical. A code blue was imminent if I did not act quickly.
As providence would have it, my chaplain assistant recommended Sylvan Learning Center, promising me that it was a tried and proven program for his kids with academic challenges.
Enrolling Brandon in Sylvan Learning Center was one of the best decisions I made. Sylvan’s intervention played a critical role in improving his grades, increasing both his reading and math skills, as well as providing an environment conducive to learning.
Sylvan Learning Center provided the assessment tools and tutoring methodology needed to take a tough situation and turn it around.
I am happy to report that Brandon has made significant progress, and he is currently in the 10th grade. I attribute much of this success to the professionals at the center.
While we tout Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and youth programs as tools to help shape our grandchildren’s character, I see investing in a good tutoring program as another critical tool to move our grandkids in the right direct — particularly those who are struggling academically.
We are far from perfection in this adventure and we still have a ways to go in this journey, but I am confident we are on the right track.
Brandon and I highly recommend Sylvan.
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS
4211 Waialae Ave., Ste. 30, Honolulu HI 96816
808-735-8811 | www.sylvanlearning.com/kahala
The nonprofit Pacific Cancer Foundation offers programs and support groups in Maui County. Its Patient Navigation Program plays an important role in connecting patients to their healthcare providers, including transportation, coordinating services and meeting their non-clinical needs.
Na Wahine Ho‘omana, a women’s resource center on Maui, offers education on health and wellness, support groups and guidance.
As our loved ones grow older, they often want to live at home for as long as possible.
Studies show hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes than those who do not have the disease, mainly due to poor circulation. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to certain areas. The lack of blood flow causes damage to the structures of the inner ear, which are highly vascularized and do not have a backup blood supply. Hearing loss could be the result of permanent damage to the blood vessels in the inner ear.
In 2012, at age 62, George Crowder retired from his profession as a regional fire prevention chief.
1. Falls from ladders and trees: Each fruit harvesting season, the number of serious fall injuries spikes at emergency rooms all over the state. Do not climb into your favorite tree or on the roof to harvest the fruits of your labor without someone holding the ladder. Also, do, do not lean or stretch to grab that papaya, because you will fall. Be absolutely aware of your limitations.
2. Falls in the shower or tub: Far too often, our kūpuna fall in the bathroom. Many years ago, my own father fell and severely injured himself in the tub. We did not find him for over 12 hours…
1) Medications can cause dizziness that can lead to falls. Simply make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist today to review your medications, including any over thecounter drugs and supplements.
2) Maintaining good vision helps with balance and safety. Paying attention to where you place your feet is important, and so is being able to see where you are going. Have your eyes checked at least once a year.
3) Balance and strength are essential to preventing falls. Be active and do simple movements every day to prevent a fall, including walking, gardening, yoga, swimming, dancing or taking a tai chi class.
4) Make your home safer by removing fall hazards. Keep pathways clear and the floor free of objects. Be aware that seniors can trip over anything from the grandkids’ toys to the beloved family pet.
5) Invest in and use a personal electronic safety device. This is absolutely essential for any senior who lives alone. It has been proven that wearing one of these tiny devices saves lives every day.
