Kiyo Itokazu

A Chaplain's Pilgrimage: an Autobiography Kiyo Itokazu

From a blissful and innocent childhood years in Lahaina, Maui during World War II to the Vietnam War and to terminal patients in healthcare settings, the author presents an autobiographical pilgrimage. The fear of his own death in Vietnam and the befriending of a catatonic female patient in a psychiatric institution became the catalyst for his psychological, emotional and spiritual growth. The experiential knowledge enabled him to work in the healthcare field as a Hospital Chaplain. With his knowledge of the dynamics of critically ill and terminal patients, doctor and patient protocol, and medical bio-ethics, he was able to avoid an unnecessary open heart surgery during a vacation trip to Memphis. His pilgrimage continues through his senior years to redeem the God given time he is privileged to enjoy and acknowledge that life is worthwhile at every age. He continues to sing with the Psalmist, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24 (NIV)