Why I appreciate Stan Sakai

[Maka]

Dear UYDers,

I wrote a lot of the reasons why I am grateful for Stan Sakai in the 25th anniversary gift: http://25yearsof.usagiyojimbo.com/page2 ... 1-102.html and the speech (http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/forum3/view ... ary+speech).

But I would like to add two more:

1) It is important for me to see Asian and Japanese-American men and women who are successful in their fields. In my youth, race wasn't so important. Today I value my daughters and other Asian-American kids being able to see people who look like them who are successful because of luck, hard work, working hard to be prepared for opportunities, and who make our world better. While there is value in Stan being appreciated for being "the nicest man in comics" and "one of the most consistent cartoonist of our time" that goes without mention of race, there is also value (for me and other Asian-Americans) that one of our own is a role model of respect, work ethic, niceness, and creativity.

2) Stan's care for Sharon on their hard journey has been the story of love. Open, honest, filled with some ups and a lot of downs, Stan allowed us a small view of their experience. I imagine it is difficult to decide how much to share with strangers (even if those strangers are friends). But in doing so, he allowed us to see how love can act when faced with the worst. It may seem weird to say this, but I love Stan Sakai for sharing his love for Sharon with the world. He gives me hope for when my time comes, that I might be able to follow his example. I don't know if I can but I know it is possible because Stan did it.

You never know what kind of impact you might have on another human being. But let me tell you, Stan. You have had a great impact on me. Thank you for all your hard work, your example of love, and being around these message boards, interacting with us fans. You are the best and I want you to know it.

Peace, maka