Why I'm studying Japanese

This story is complicated and long. My dad joined the military when I was first born. He fought in the first Iraq war, Operation Desert Storm. While completing his tour of duty he met Uncle Boo. Now it goes without saying that they are not brothers by blood. Never the less he is still my uncle. My dad and Boo had each others back and that comradeship and loyalty is what helped them survive in the war. When they both go out they went their separate ways, but remained in Florida. My dad remarried and after she was sent off on assignment(she was also military). The cost of living is pretty high there so they decided to get a place together. We had a nice three bedroom house in a nice community. My dad was a carpenter and worked long hours. Boo worked second shift and would take me to work with him until my dad got off. They would hook each other up with dates, go fishing together, and even hunt together. Boo was the first person to show me Asian culture. His room had a bunch of scrolls and other antiques he bought while in Japan. His love of Asian culture even extended into his preference in women. One day, back when SyFy was still Sci Fi, he wanted me to watch this show with him. It was anime(I can't remember the name of the show but it had mecha's and girls who controlled them), something I had never seen. I was hooked and it became a family event after Xena the Warrior Princess and Hercules. One his day off he took me to a surf shop where he would chat with a friend of his. He bought me a magazine that was Japanese. While it did sale surfing items it also had Asian goods as well. He and the shop owner would chat in Japanese and I thought it was very cool. I couldn't read the magazine and he told me to keep it and learn to read it. I made him a promise that I would so we could talk to each other in Japanese. Sadly he died 16 years ago from brain tumors. Boo was a great man and he was a great mentor. He taught me about Asian culture and about Anime. I didn't get to see him before he died because I was sent away to stay with my grandparents. I was reflecting one day and I remembered my promise to him. Boo was the type to do for others before he would himself. If he hadn't ate and he say a bum he would give his lunch to him. I decided to keep my promise to him. He didn't and couldn't have kids and I was the next best thing. I want to learn Japanese to honor him and to keep my promise. Although I can't speak Japanese with him now he is always with me, cheering me on.