There are three wants in life: “wants’, ‘wanted,‘ and ‘wanting.’ 

However, you already know that – so let me explain why I am writing a story about them.

WANTS

When you need something, it is a want. It does not matter what it costs or whether you can afford it. And your particular want might not even be available yet.

I canceled my bucket list of wants. 

It has been empty since being diagnosed with stage three throat cancer and given only a 40% chance of survival.

That was in 2009.

And you are probably tired of hearing about my 40% survival story.

But I know a few people in dire straits because of loss of employment, health issues, or lack of money, so I hope they will find that story inspirational.

Because the easiest thing for us to do is to give up.

So, rather than giving up on ever attaining a particular want – make it something you think about – day and night – and imagine yourself getting that want.

Make that particular want – a goal and think of ways to attain it.

Dream about achieving that goal 24/7.

And never, ever give up chasing that dream/goal!

‘Wants’ are either achieved or become ‘the wanted.’

In my case, I had given up my dreams and wants because I was so happy to have survived my throat cancer.

I am cancer-free and alive, and I now have a place of my own to live – for the first time since 1975.

WANTED

I have what I have wanted most – to survive cancer!

However, today, I created a new bucket list.

However, there are only two items on the list.

The two items on my bucket list are:

• Surgery
• Love

Surgery

This morning, I visited an oral surgeon at the urging of my dentist.

I saw the surgeon in January, but everything appeared to be stable in the affected area of my mouth, so he didn’t want to see me again until September.

But last week, I saw Mouna, my dentist and friend.

She was concerned and told me that she would call the surgeon to explain the current state of the extracted area.

Later that day, Mouna called me at home to explain that she had spoken to the surgeon, and he agreed to see me immediately.

It has been three years since my tooth was removed – and the area of the extraction still has not healed.

Today, when the surgeon checked my mouth, he decided that I needed to have surgery to try to grind down the bone fragment remaining in the extracted area.

Although the surgery will be performed in the hospital, this is a last-ditch attempt to see if the area will heal. 

If not, then it might be the removal of the affected jaw bone and having a piece of bone taken from my leg.

When I left his office, I sat in my car and cried.

It just never seems to end.

WANTING

After feeling sorry for myself – I drove home to Holly Golightly, my dog, who was waiting for me at the door.

I guess what I want now is some peace.

I am not going to worry and will try to remain positive.

However, I know the waiting will be difficult.

 But Danny, you have gone through much worse – stop acting like a cry baby and put on your big boy pants! ~ Spanky

For once, you are right, Spanky!

I might pour myself a vodka and root beer drink. It will be my first drink in months, but I won’t be celebrating.

Love

As for Love – you can’t chase after love – you must wait for Cupid to steer you in the right direction.

And there is a gal I’ve been thinking about lately, but her identity will remain a secret.

Anyway, that is how my week went.

Tomorrow will be a better day!

I am already smiling – I have so much to be thankful for.

Speaking of love, today (April 18th) is my buddy Peter Hrehoruk’s birthday!

He is four months younger than me but much brighter.

We have both experienced serious heart challenges.

Happy birthday, Peter!

And thanks to Mouna for saving me – again!

Dedicated to Mouna

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart!

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ each night of his charms
That won’t get you into his arms

So if you’re lookin’ to find love, you can share
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and love him
And show him that you care

Show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, ’cause
You won’t get him
Thinkin’ and prayin’
Wishin’ and hopin’

Just wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ his kisses will start
That won’t get you into his heart

So if you’re thinkin’ how great true love is
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it, and after you do, you will be his

You gotta show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, ’cause
You won’t get him
Thinkin’ and prayin’
Wishin’ and hopin’

Just wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ his kisses will start
That won’t get you into his heart

So if you’re thinkin’ how great true love is
All you gotta do is
Hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it, and after you do, you will be his
You will be his
You will be his.

Songwriters: Burt Bacharach & Hal David

Here are other songs I’m listening to: These Songs Will Make You Smile Today.