I kind of want to start this off by saying how incredibly odd this is. These past few months I've been wishing to say my thanks to you, and I can't believe an opportunity like this just happened to come by. (also I drew that picture with my little sister earlier today)
When I was much younger than I am now, I didn't know much except for what my parents told me. I never had motive or reason to step outside those lines, because as far as I knew, the world was different and bad. It was after spending the weekend alone with my 3 amazing cousins that I learned so much. We watched Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, My neighbor Totoro (others too), you name it. You don't even know how bad I wanted those tiny susuwatari creatures to be real, and I still want to experience a hug like people received in those movies. Even today, my favorite movie is Ponyo! I always enjoyed how you incorporated your real life and past experiences into your movies, and it inspired me to put my own creativity to good use.
Your films helped me view things around me differently, and I just started changing. I'm happier to know about the world around me, even though some aspects are constantly disputed harshly. I am not afraid of being different anymore, because different no longer means bad. My parents gradually became accepting of this, and they still loved me even after the troubles of things like their divorce came around. You helped me get through it with laughter and the idea of seeking adventure. I can't wait to go to places that remind me of your films, so I remember to always cherish the past and expand it into the future, like you have. I hope to continue changing, but I also hope to keep the creativity I discovered when I was first introduced to you.

Thank you so much for everything, you're one of my heroes. I hope the winds of adventure always blow your way.