Chuck had liver cancer and things were not good. He was on a list for a transplant. He hasn't talked much about it, but I'm pretty sure there were lots of stops and starts, highs and lows. Finally, last month, he got a new liver.
Chuck bought the uke because he wants to play a few songs for his grandkids. He's been given his life back and he wants to make the most of it. Because of the anti-rejection meds he's keeping a low profile, but after I heard his story I agreed to give him a lesson, even though I'm not much of a uke player.
So we hung out yesterday and he learned to plink out a few notes and get going. It's more proof age and experience matters little - it's how bad you want to learn and play. Chuck found out it's not that hard and it's actually fun.
He was mayor when I moved to Quincy 19 years ago and I'll always think of him as the mayor, one of the good guys around here. I'm glad he has a second shot and we wish him nothing but the best in health and the pursuit of musical knowledge.
Keep strumming, mayor!
Great story, and great news! Enjoy your new pursuit, Chuck!
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