Originally Posted by Blaze
Wow, I can't believe I just sat here and began reading from page 1 to the end. Everyone story is absolutely amazing. I am proud of all of you! And for those who keep slipping, don't give up.
My story. Both parents smoked, even through the birth of me. Heavy smokers may I add was my family. Mother 2 pack, Father 5 packs.~ Truth ~.
Cigarettes were every where in the house, car, garage, open packs everywhere. So as a youngster I was able to sneak a few here and there. Being the cool one that could get the so called “Your hip if you got a smoke. Dads favorites; Lucky Strike, or Camels. Moms; was Marlboro Red no filter then as she got older she changed to Benson and hedges Menthol lights with filter.
My choice was Camels then Marlboro, then Menthol for about 15 years then changing back to non menthol because I hated the cough I got with Menthol. Yes, I confess. I was a heavy smoker, in fact, looking back at most of my pictures, I had a cigarette in my mouth or hand and a beer in the other.
I always considered cigarettes as my best friend, something I could rely on and find comfort in completely. It was my excuse for everything, and my alibi.
I woke up smoking and couldn’t go to bed without having that last one before I brushed my teeth to go to bed. Now mind you, every so often I would mention to Doll that I really need to quit, but really never foreseen that happening, just bull shytin myself.
Last year. Doll quit, she always suffered from asthma and just got tired. And strong minded and willed as she is. She cold turkey-ed. Maybe one day she will share her story. I was amazed and yet scahred because I knew I soon may have to face my demon too, so I, reminded her that I loved smoking and to bad, so sad, deal with it. (yes, I was nasty, and rude).
Well I had just celebrated my 50th Birthday, and being that I suffer from Celiac and Chrones disease. Doll just watched patiently. As I continued my same old routine, and habits. Then one day, I woke up, I't was 2 months after Doll quit. I lit my cigarette, drew in a deep puff and killed it. Killed off the thought of my best friend that I always depended on, that made me feel relaxed and comforted. I grabbed the full pack, crushed it, threw it in the trash and grabbed the other packs that I had just purchased that night and tossed them into the trash also.
Doll was completely shocked. She never believed that I would actually quit, I didn't want to deceive her, so I never told her my intentions of quitting. And every day she would post a sticky note saying I’m am so proud of you, keep it up. Being so self consumed I never verbally congratulated her on her accomplishment. So I started giving the extra hug, and took her out to dinner for 6 months of being smoke free. Only now do I realize that best buddy, protector perhaps died from congestive heart failure because that poor dog had to be the recipient of second hand smoke. Not only I, but everyone that came around smoked, so this poor dog was en caged with toxins that she didn't have a choice to say Heyyyyyyy Stop, your killing me. ~Sigh~ I regret not thinking about the animals that are like family to me, and putting them in my own hell because all I cared about was the light up!
Now. Being a proud Non-Smoker, just short of a Year... I don't judge, but I do share my thoughts on those who smoke around there animals, and tell them my story, and hope that someday they too will realize that second hand smoke kills...
|