Last year, a few days before Christmas, my cat, Asatom, experienced a uremic crisis and was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It appears to be an inherited condition that caused multiple cysts to form in the kidneys. Initially, they are very small, but they grow larger over time and eventually disrupt kidney function, resulting in kidney failure. Unfortunately, it cannot be reversed or cured. He is currently receiving palliative care, so he could live as comfortably as possible.

This episode serves as a promise to him during one of the toughest nights. If he manages to make it to February, then this month's show will be dedicated to him. Choosing the right soundtrack to sing-along during feeding time and administering subcutaneous fluid, is the most enjoyable part of this journey. The tracks I included in this mix are mostly dance-floor ska classics and Asa-approved.

I also dedicated this episode for caregivers of sick pets, hope it helps you to harness the strength and hope during difficult times.

Tracklist:

• Dennis Brown - Things in Life

• Madness - Grey Day

• Al Barry & The Cimarons - Morning Sun

• The Melodians - Sweet Sensations

• Gerhana Ska Cinta - Rasa Sayang

• Monkey Boots - Menuju Johar Baru

• Caltonettes Serenade - Nurlela

• Hepcat - Pharoah's Dreams

• Sentimental Moods (feat. Novel Evelyn Silaban) - Payung Fantasi

• The Authentics - Untukmu

• The Ska-Flames (feat. Laurel Aitken, Roland Alphonso, Lester Sterling) - Zion City

• Benga & Coki - Night (Egoless Version)

• The Debonaires (feat. Angelo Moore) - Oil in My Lamp

• Artificial Life - I Wanna Skank

• The Beat - Ranking Full Stop

• Artificial Life - Dansa Rudi

• Xandega - Iz Da Luv (Sunshine)