My uncle is a music aficionado. One of my earliest memories of my uncle is watching him carefully slide an album (vinyl!) out of its sleeve and place it gently on top of his turntable. He used to work for Leiser Sound - sort of like a Best Buy, I think - back when I was a kid and his stereo system was, and is, top-notch.

Sugar, Sugar by The Archies is one of my very favorite songs because of my uncle - he made me a mixed tape once, one that I’ve long since lost in my many moves, and that song was on it. I bought it last year from the iTunes Music Store and every time I listen to that song I think of him.

He’s in the hospital right now, going in for a bone marrow transplant. He’s receiving bone marrow from his (fraternal) twin brother. He’s had cancer for the last ten years, and there’s a part of me that, despite my mom’s attempts at being upbeat, fears that this is the final stand. And if anyone can endure a final stand and come out victorious on the other side, it’s my Jo Jo. But all the same, I worry.

Four to six weeks, he’ll be in the the hospital. Long struggles lie ahead for him. This weekend is Chinese New Year, but there is no Chinese New Year for my family; not until Jo Jo gets out of the hospital. Get well soon, Jo Jo. Get that strength up and get home. There’s a lot more music left to listen to.