Around 2002, I opened my first pack of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. The set was Pharaoh's Servant. Inside, it contained the following: Harpie's Brother (now errata'd to Sky Scout), Mr. Volcano, Flame Champion, Science Soldier, Driving Snow, Armored Glass, Forced Requisition, Numinous Healer, and Wingweaver. My father marked the corner of each card, so that they wouldn't get "mixed up" with my brother's cards. I still have them, to this day.

This past week, when I heard the news about Kazuki Takahashi, my thoughts turned to how much Yu-Gi-Oh! has meant to me since that first pack. Crystal Beast, Naturia, Aqua Actress, Madolche, Karakuri, Majespecter, Yang Zing, World Chalice, Dragunity, and more, have led me to places I came to call home, and people I came to consider family moreso than my own blood relations. My memories with playing Yu-Gi-Oh! are all of my memories. The game has played a role in my life that spans its entirety since childhood.

When I play Yu-Gi-Oh!, now more than ever, I will be playing in reverence and in thanks to the man who brought this gift to us. Thank you, Mr. Takahashi. We'll see you later.