I woke up yesterday morning with excitement racing through my body, but it was not because I had bought those lottery tickets I wrote about; that was exciting.

Nope.

I got excited because I felt better than I have for months.

And my dog, Holly Golightly, is also doing well now!

Tomorrow will be the third month anniversary of my major surgery on my jawbone, and I was feeling almost normal again.

The excitement continued for most of the day, and I got a nice surprise!

While walking outside to take the recyclables to the street, I bumped into Anita, my gal pal and adopted daughter.

She and her husband Ralph, and their daughter Aria, are part of my adopted family, and I love them very much.

It was the first time I had seen Anita since my surgery in May.

And that was also because Anita had recently undergone surgery – for the same type of surgery I had in May 2021.

What are the odds of that happening?

She looked great, as usual, and we hugged each other.

And then Anita mentioned another shocking coincidence – she had just interviewed a prospective gardener/landscaper to look after the grounds here.

She also said that his name is Robert.

Robert lives in the neighborhood just a few blocks away.

And he has cancer – the same oral cancer that I had!

However, Anita has “Ameloblastoma,” a rare, noncancerous (benign) tumor that often develops in the jaw near the molars.

Ameloblastoma begins in the cells that form the protective enamel lining on your teeth.

The most common type of ameloblastoma is aggressive, forming a large tumor and growing into the jawbone.

Again, what are the odds of the three of us having serious mouth illnesses happening?

I look forward to meeting Robert and will offer to talk about cancer with him or at least wish him well on his journey.

Although I enjoy playing poker, I am always careful when placing a bet by asking myself, “What are the odds of winning?”

But I would never have bet on the odds of the three of us having the same oral illnesses.

However… on reflection, I would never have bet on the 40% chance of me surviving cancer when I was diagnosed in 2009 – but Vicky Grant, a radiation therapist, encouraged me to believe that I was in the 40% of patients with my form of cancer that lives – and not the 60% who die.

Anita and I continued our conversation – I always enjoy listening to her updates on little Aria’s health, and I am happy that she seems to be improving.

And then it happened…

My legs suddenly became uncontrollably wobbly, and I began collapsing in the driveway!

But Anita quickly grabbed me as I fell and prevented me from hitting the pavement.

She took me by the arm and walked me to my entrance at the rear of the house.

It bothered me that this happened.

It was something unanticipated and, surely, not related to my surgery.

Although I can now boast that my wobbly legs match my intoxicated-sounding voice, at least I am being consistent.

So, now I need to change my routine when parking my vehicle.

I always park the furthest away from the entrance to wherever I go – so I can benefit from the exercise.

Walking has been one of my favorite pastimes, but now I fear doing that alone might be a problem.

So, I need to see my doctor about getting my legs examined.

And although it would bother me to get a physically challenged decal for my vehicle – it is either that or rent myself a walker for safety.

By the way, I dislike the term ‘handicapped’ and never use it!

I never want to be considered anything but someone with a few physical challenges.

If and when it ever gets to the point where I need to use a walker – it will not embarrass me or make me ashamed when I walk on the promenade and pier.

Because I would rather use a walker than sit indoors feeling sorry for myself.

I might not be able to walk with the Vancouver Venturers Walking Club anymore, but I will continue to be a member and do hosting for some of the walks instead.

I have no plans to give up seeing my friends because of my health issues.

And thinking about yesterday’s news or tomorrow’s “maybe’s” is not important – I want to only think and live in the “today.”

By the way, the only thing in this aging body of mine that appears to be improving is my voice – or at least, that is what Anita noticed about me.

And that was nice to know.

So, I am back to smiling again today!

UPDATE: Saturday, August 5th – 7:00 AM

Yesterday morning, when I returned from having coffee with Norm (the northern one), I met Robert, the landscaper, who was already working in the garden.

We introduced ourselves, and I mentioned that I, too, had been a cancer patient and told him that if he ever wanted to talk about it, I would be available and gave him one of my cards.

We spoke for about 5 minutes, and I wanted to hug him – especially after learning about his past and current health issues.

He has several forms of cancer and has had numerous major surgeries, yet he is still fighting to live.

When I looked into his eyes, I saw a warrior and told him so.

Robert has had it much worse than me, and that is why I never complain about how bad I have it – because many have it much worse.

I will always admire people who never give up on living despite the obstacles and challenges they face daily!

It does not take bravery to die.

It takes a warrior’s heart to want to live.

UPDATE: Saturday, August 5th – 1:30 PM

I added to my four-wheel collection this morning, but the one on the left doesn’t require gas or electricity – just someone with weak legs and a strong heart.

Well, at least a ‘stronger’ heart.

I will need it when I go dancing tonight… want to come?

Never give up on living until after you have passed away.

Dedicated to Anita and to Robert, my new friend

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

Hugs,

Danny

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

I’ve wandered around with nothing more than time on my hands
I was lost in the night with no sight of you
And at times it was so blue and lonely
Heading for the light

Been close to the edge, hanging by my fingernails
I’ve rolled and I’ve tumbled through the roses and the thorns
And I couldn’t see the sign that warned me
Heading for the light

I didn’t see that big black cloud hanging over me
And when the rain came down, I was nearly drowned
I didn’t know the mess I was in

My shoes are wearing out from walking down this same highway
I don’t see nothing new but I feel a lot of change
And I get the strangest feeling
As I’m heading for the light

Oh, my hands were tied, jokers and fools on either side
But still, I kept on till the worst had gone
Now, I see the hole I was in

My shoes are wearing out from walking down this same highway
I don’t see nothing new but I feel a lot of change
And I get the strangest feeling
As I’m heading for the light

I see the sun ahead, I ain’t never looking back
All the dreams are coming true as I think of you
Now, there’s nothing in the way to stop me
Heading for the light
Now there’s nothing in the way to stop me
Heading for the light

Heading for the light
Heading for the light

Songwriters: George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Thomas Petty, Robert Dylan, Lynne Jeff
Heading for the Light lyrics © Sm Publishing (Poland) Sp. Z O.o., Umlaut Corporation (ascap), Laut Music, Umsongs

Here’s a link to songs Danny is listening to now: Drowning in a Tub Full of Tunes