Linda Quit Smoking 4 Years Ago

"Smoking isn't in my life’s equation anymore and it will never be."

It was a week before my 4-year milestone and I had no idea what to write. I was tired of the same old "life is just so much better since I quit smoking" idea. Well, not tired of it really, but I know you all have heard it so many times before (and it's true, by the way - life is better). And I thought of just writing "don't smoke, you'll feel better" (and it's true by the way),but I didn't think that would go over too big. So, what to write?

I received the About Smoking Cessation newsletter today and the top story was about the lives that are lost to smoking. I clicked on the link and read the opening paragraph. The statistics are astounding:

'Cigarette smoking is directly responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases in the United States annually.'

I guess saying "don’t smoke, you’ll feel better" really may mean something here. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death today. That just backs up the statistic. Who wants to be a part of that?

'If you have never smoked, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit now.'

This makes total sense...finally. Four years ago it finally clicked in for me.

I noticed that Cheryl's Story was listed so I read it once again. Cheryl was an incredible human being who had cancer caused by smoking. Unfortunately, we lost her June 30, 2005, but she left a legacy with her story. She wanted to help at least one person quit smoking for good. I think she accomplished that and thousands more.

I re-read Cheryl’s story and cried.

I cried because this could have been you or me, dying from a cancer that cannot be cured.

I cried because you and I are the lucky ones who have quit smoking and it may not be too late for us.

I cried because we lost such a loving and warm human being from something that shortened her life.

I keep thinking what a waste, but that’s not true. Cheryl has saved lives even after her death. That is her legacy.

I felt a little melancholy after reading Cheryl’s story but that’s a good thing. It’s a reality check to make sure that I never, ever smoke again. It’s just not in my life’s equation anymore and it will never be. Smoking is my past and living is my future. See? Cheryl has saved a life. May I save yours?

More from Linda:
Linda's Quit Story
Linda's One Year Milestone
Linda's 3 Year Milestone