My mother lost her fight with cancer on October 10, 2005. I luckily managed to be by her side in Thailand before she passed away just a precious few hours after I arrived.
She was a strong woman, who never let any obstacle get the way of her success and I hope to be as strong as her one day. She has left for me the teachings that someone who started with nothing can still achieve greatness despite daunting setbacks. Her strength, courage and determination, I hope to carry on.
I was separated from her at about three years of age and while I wasn't able to get to know her as much as I would have liked, I know and felt the love she had for me and I, for her.
I am still getting to know her from the recollections of relatives whose stories about my mother recounts times when she would get comics I'd worked on and proudly showed them to everyone. I hear she cherished them. I regret sending so few.
More than anything, I regret not doing more for her when I had the chance. Too often that distance that separated us kept me from making the trip to see her.
My first visit to see her was when I was about 14. Then again when I was 30. Even though we kept closer communications in recent times, upon reflection, I am an ass for not having kept them more open all those years previous.
I'll remember her life examples of strength and courage and aspire to be the best I can be in hopes that when she looks down at me from heaven, I'll be a son she can be proud of.
With love and in memory of Seerada Nemanonta.
I'd like to also take this opportunity to thank all of the people whose well wishes I've received. In particular, my editors at both DC Comics and TOKYOPOP. Their support has meant the world to me during these trying times and I couldn't ask for better people to work for. A very heartfelt thank you to Michael Wright and Tim Beedle, who have gone through some boiling hot water for me.
I'm back in the saddle again!
Rock on!!!