Dale's Quit Story

"I was slowly becoming a non-smoker. It has now become a quest."

My youngest son came home one night after a Scout meeting with some good news. He had completed every requirement for Eagle Scout…Scouting’s highest award.

It was early in November, and we had an early snow. The cigarette smoke curled up into the air as we talked about attending a Scouting High Adventure trip. Scott had just turned 18, so this would be his last chance to attend a scout function as a youth.

The adventure we decided to go on was a trip to Florida’s Sea Base, a 10 day sailing adventure along the Florida Keys, to Key West and back. We would learn to sail on a 42" Morgan sail boat. We also would be certified in snorkeling.

Now the stage is set…I have smoked for over 40 years. I have emphysema/COPD. There are rules in every aspect of life, and the big rule of this trip was "NO SMOKING". Did I hear you right?! Afraid so…BSA policy, and ship captain’s policy too.

I am in deep water, and the water is rising. Now they want me to pass a swim test. OK!!! I'm good at tests. Wait. They want me to swim 75 yards in a convincing manner and then tread water for 3 minutes. Think it's easy? Don’t laugh until you as a smoker tries it. Now remember…a convincing manner…this means no stopping, standing or floating. Just swimming.

This activity doesn’t take place until June 23, 2005. Hey! I've got plenty of time. Today I woke up…it's April 6th. I’ve got to get off cigarettes before my trip. I think I'll start this weekend… Someone forgot to nudge me. I'm still smoking, in fact, I just bought 3 packs. They’re hidden under the seat in the truck.

After attending two meetings at the YMCA on water safety, youth protection, safety afloat, and a CPR class, I'm almost ready to go on the trip and adventure, a once in a lifetime father/son experience.

Only one obstacle still lurks. I'm still sneaking smokes. I'm 63 years old. I'm bigger than this. I can quit smoking. I have to quit. I need help.

Today is June 22, 2005. It's 10:30am. I just finished loading all of our equipment in the back of our Suburban. Smoked a cigarette, closed the door to the storage shed, and went to the house. I said not a word to anyone, set the alarm, and went to bed. Tomorrow would start at 4:30 am when our group was to leave for the airport in Kansas City. Our flight would take us from Kansas City to Dallas, Texas, and on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We were to spend our first night in Florida at Homestead Air Force Base.

Now mind you, I’ve done all this without a cigarette. It's now about 11:00 pm on the 23rd. I’m standing on the balcony and the summer breeze sure smells different than it did back home. It smells fresh and clean…or maybe it’s because there is no cigarette smoke around. I need to go to bed.

The next morning comes very early. We eat breakfast and head out on a 3 hour ride to what is known as Sea Base a few miles into the Keys. I notice the time…its 10:30 am. I silently snicker as I notice it been 2 full days without a cigarette. My son and another Scout, Carter are to keep a close eye on me for this trip.

Wow, time seems so slow, I’ve got to get smoking off my mind. It’s time, we are here. Our boat sets out in the harbor, what a beauty! Now the only thing left is the dreaded swim test. I will spare you the agony…I failed, miserably. What is now a fact is horrible. I will have to wear a life jacket at all times if I am to continue.

Well ok…