The passing of Stan's grandson Leonardo

Post by **Mayhem** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 4:25 -0700

[To keep things together, I've moved my post and Maka's from the Facebook thread into this one. Which is why they now appear above Todd's, in case anyone gets confused]

I am so sorry Stan. *hugs* Words fail me this time. The Queen had a bad year in 1992? That was nothing. I am lucky and fortunate to call you a friend, and you and Sharon and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts today

Post by **Maka** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 6:47 -0700

Dear Stan,

I wish I could find the words to ease the pain your family feels today and the moments to come. But there are no words.

I have met Hannah twice (once at your The Hundreds signing and at the Long Beach Comic Con). She tried to engage my daughter, Angela, in a conversation. She was friendly and kind.

You wrote about Hannah relieving you when Sharon was in the hospital this past year. Hannah moved her family back home to help with Sharon needs and care. Hannah baked deserts and cooked a Christmas dinner for the family. It would have been valid to put her role as a new mother as an excuse to not make those sacrifices for Sharon and you. But by making those sacrifices, she gave Sharon and you precious time with Leo. I don't know her well but I admire her commitment and love for family. I hope she knows many of us admire her actions and her as a daughter and mother.

I have no idea what Hannah, Leo's father, Sharon, Matt and you are going through. I don't know what is the right to say or write on here (especially on the internet). I hope these words come off as sincere and not like some overzealous fan that thinks he has a special relationship with you. But let me try: I care and want you to know my family is thinking and praying for Hannah, Leo's father, Sharon, Matt and you.

Cheryl cried when I read your FB updates the last two days. Angela prayed for Leo during our goodnight prayers. Your openness and reaching out to friends and fans on fb for support has touched us in a way that I didn't expect. I admire your thoughtfulness and willingness to let us be a part of your life, in a way. Thank you for your humanity. I think about and pray for you all often. May your love for each other continue to find its way in your hearts always.

Love, maka

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:38 -0700

UY Dojo Members,

It wasn't but a few days ago that we sent you all a message via the UY DojoList regarding Sharon Sakai and her health problems. Now tragedy has struck the Sakai family once again. Stan's 20-month old grandson, Leo, passed away yesterday afternoon after being found unconscious and not breathing. This is an unimaginable tragedy for anyone, and for people who have been so kind and giving and good as Stan and Sharon to undergo it is a harsh reminder of the random cruelty of life.

Stan's Facebook post: "Grandson Leo was tested yesterday and it was confirmed today that he is brain dead. He is exactly 20 months old. He lived such a short life, but I'm so glad he shared it with me. It was a good day for him yesterday, and he died without pain and peacefully. Thank you, Buddy. Grandpa loves you. So much."

As mentioned before, there was already a benefit underway to help with Sharon’s medical bills; while nothing can make things better, during times of stress, some extra cash to help with the unexpected can be of use. More details on various ways to help are here: http://garageartstudio.blogspot.com/201 ... i.html?m=1

Please keep Stan, Sharon, daughter Hannah and son Matthew in your thoughts as the Sakai's grieve through this tremendously difficult time in their lives.

Sincerely,

Todd Shogun
Usagi Yojimbo Dojo

cynlee · Post by **cynlee** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 10:22 -0700

I remember coming to the old forum after seeing a pic of Stan holding Leo as a newborn on Facebook-- Hannah had posted it and tagged it-- and I posted something like "What the... Stan's a Grandpa now?" When I asked Stan, he said yes, and had asked her to untag it because he liked to keep family stuff private. (Also he said he got "friended" enough, and the picture with his name just opened it up to more of that, lol).

But this past year he's been very open with "family stuff" on fb-- and who can blame him? I just can't begin to put into words any feelings *I* have, and in the end, my feelings are nothing compared to Hannah's and the baby's father's, and certainly nothing to Stan's and Sharon's. But I know they are strong, and their faith is strong, and that the new child Hannah is expecting will know all about big brother Leo.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 11:03 -0700

Thank you Todd!

When I first read how Hannah and her family were moving back home to help Stan take care of Sharon after she was discharged from the convalescent care facility, I never really stopped to consider just how major of a role little Leo would take upon his strong shoulders.

I picture in my mind a family who have turned their home into a miniature hospital room; clean, sterile, full of the necessities of maintaining a desperate position in an unwinnable battle against a relentlessly heartless disease. Love and devotion versus long hours, tedious tasks, hopelessly irritating obstacles in the simple task of filling required prescriptions. Caring for the love of your life, but also deprived of the voice of that loved one, the ear of that loved one, not being able to casually say or share those words of love to each other.

Little Leo! Little Angel! I can only picture in my mind how his presence added to the quality of life in the home. The sound of his laughter, his shrieks of joy while playing, his dancing with Donald Duck, and his early morning hugs with his best friend and buddy were all just part of the role he he was charged with. His love was just a glimpse of God's love. Pure, unconditional, total love.

His presence is going to be missed beyond description, his departure leaving hearts shattered. But he is now back in heaven where angels belong, sharing first hand with God how he lived for a while in a home filled with so much love and devotion....

Sorry, these are just words - Steve

coolray85 · Post by **coolray85** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 11:21 -0700

I have read stans post last night, so know about what has happened already a full day give or take..all of what you guys above my post have written are so true..I dont have any idea of what to add to that really, but just want to share my love and prayers for the sakai family with you all...I must say I didn't realize the important role little leonardo embodied in this family fight against the illness until I read your comment, steve.I didn't know that hannah had moved back in to help care for her mom, was absent a while from fb or the dojo I guess...
I only know this:we ALL are eternal and we all still resonate in everyone and everything that exists in our cosmos.we ALL are one family.and our play on this side is merely a brief part of the truth.
so, please feel the love, sensei and remember that we are all there for one another.

Post by **Maka** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 13:11 -0700

Thanks for sending this out Todd. This is a wonderful community to belong too. People here give what they can in good times and bad. Much love to you all. Peace, maka

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 14:23 -0700

I am reaching out to anyone who can help with fundraisers. I already have two in the works. One with April Cloutier from Our Hearts Desire who is donating proceeds from sales to Stan's fundraiser, as well as a raffle of some Usagi original art. If anyone out there has a business that sells products or services or whatever and would be willing to offer up some % of proceeds, please contact me at my email address listed on my profile or PM me (email is best). Every little bit counts. Thank you!!!

Jet_Jaguar · Post by **Jet_Jaguar** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 14:23 -0700

This is just terrible. Deepest sympathies to Stan and his family.

Amy · Post by **Amy** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 15:30 -0700

What a terrible loss. Leo is in heaven, of course, so he is very happy. But all our thoughts and prayers go out to the family who misses him.

estee · Post by **estee** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 17:54 -0700

This is so tragic. My heart goes out to Stan and his entire family.

khyron82 · Post by **khyron82** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 20:16 -0700

Words cannot express how sad this news makes me. My condolences to Stan and his family.

Thanks Todd for letting us know.

maichan · Post by **maichan** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 8:08 -0700

Dear Stan, it is with deepest sympathies that I send my condolences to you and the entire Sakai family...

I'm always at a loss for words at times like these. Full of thoughts, emotions, feelings.... but never know what to say - what is right, what is wrong...

Firstly, I'd like to thank Maka, Steve, Cynlee and the others that have expressed themselves so eloquently during this time. Your words convey my feelings too.

While I'm a relatively late comer to the Dojo compared to many here, I feel like I'm with "like souls" in this place. Since I joined here, I've had the chance to meet Sensei Stan, Sharon, and even little Leo once. I quickly learned what a loving, caring, and strong family the Sakai's are. Our lives are full of twists and turns and unexpected happenings... and yet we go on. We must endure. We must live for one another. While there may always be 'hurt' inside, rejoice in what has been... remember, live, love and continue the path you are on, for you are an inspiration to us all.

Prayers go out to you and your family Stan, and blessings to everyone here at the Dojo.

Peace,
~michael

Jubei · Post by **Jubei** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 11:49 -0700

Oh my, that is so sad and terrible. My deepest condolences goes out for you Stan and your family during this most troubled time. God bless Leo......

TigerRider · Post by **TigerRider** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:29 -0700

The words I try to find are not feeling right for this tragedy. I am so sad.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Sakai-Family.

Jens

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