This past week I read a post by someone who is trying to give up smoking and I left the following comment:
"I started smoking at 12--to look cool and sophisticated--what a hoot--and for the next 61 years I smoked 2-3 packs A DAY--on July 21, 2008 I had my last cigarette just before I was wheeled in for an aorta valve replacement and haven't had a cigarette since--funny but when I had congestive heart failure and rushed into the hospital as soon as I could I lit up a cigarette!
What amazed me was that I haven't missed it---oh maybe in the morning in coffee or when I have to wait somewhere for someone or something but that only lasts a second or two--and it doesn't bother me to be around smokers! Don't know why it was so easy all of a sudden for me but hang in there--hope you make it through!"
 

During the 61 years of my smoking I never once thought of giving it up. I recall when I was at boot camp in the Marines I got caught smoking when I wasn't suppose to be and the drill instructor made me open a fresh pack of cigarettes, made me put all 20 cigarettes in my mouth, had another Marine light them all, my having to inhale to make sure they were lit. Fifteen minutes after that episode was over when the drill instructor said "The smoking lamp is lit" I had a cigarette.
 

I won't say I enjoyed every cigarette I had over those years but I enjoyed most. I am not one of those 'reformed sinners' who go around ranting and raving against smokers nor do I make faces at people who do smoke or make remarks to those who light up without asking those around them if it is okay. I do still enjoy the smell of smoke.
 

Now that it is 2 years and 5 months since I have had my last cigarette I am wondering if I beat the rap--the rap of getting sick from all those cigarettes. I do have COPD, not too bad a case, but I wonder if it will get worse. Will I have to walk around with an oxygen tank? Is it too late/ Have I beat the odds. I don't know and only time will tell.
I am not going to lecture anyone except to say that if you haven't had a cigarette don't and if you are smoking I hope you stop and have it as easy as I did when I stopped, without going through congestive heart failure or having to have an aorta valve replacement.
Comes January 1, 2011 most smokers will resolve to give it up--how YOU giving it up on Decemeber 25, 2010 as a Christmas present to you and your family?

LIVING WELL AND HAVING GOOD FRIENDS IS THE BEST REVENGE