July 22, 2008:
- Where do I begin? I have been away from the forum for a couple of months due to my health problems. I had a bad bout with pneumonia and was told just last week that the pain that accompanies the pneumonia will never go away. That I am in the end stages.
I am at peace with this, but I also believe in miracles and would love to receive one. If it is meant to be it will be! I will have to live with this pain along with the suffocation of this horrible disease until the good Lord calls me home. What a glorious day that will be.
In the meantime however, I will try to squeeze as much living in as my body will allow. I would love to thank all of you for being here for me when I truly needed family and friends and that is exactly what you are to me.
For those of you who haven't yet quit smoking out there, please do not keep procrastinating about setting and following through with your quit date. Your very life truly does depend on it. Who would have thought that at the age of 46, I would be at the end of my life. Mind you, I am not complaining. What life I've lived has been fantastic. I just wish it could have been a little longer.
Live each day with appreciation that the good Lord allowed it and just love one another. Don't be embarrassed or shy about showing affection to your loved ones. Let them know every day through your actions and your words just how much they mean to you. Life is not something to take for granted. Please live yours with pride and honor and with the utmost morals and values.
I cannot believe that in a few short weeks I will be displaying a key, and all I can say is WOW. I am a NON SMOKER -- how strange is that?
At one year smoke-free, Jacki celebrated with her forumily. We were all so thrilled for her on this special milestone. Her message about this great milestone follows:
August 1, 2008:
- WOW! I am sitting here in front of my computer just staring at an unfilled page. It is so hard to believe it has been one year since I put one of those nasty, smelly killer sticks to my mouth and inhaled those deadly toxins into my disease-ridden lungs.
Does the urge to smoke ever go away?
I read this a lot in the posts from people who are new to smoking cessation. Or I read, "I am really having a hard time and think I am getting ready to cave -- I just cannot hold on any longer."
I am here to tell you that, yes, quitting is hard. It may be the hardest thing you ever attempt. The rewards though, are bountiful! The cravings to smoke will eventually cease and be replaced by a blissful peace. Please hang on and do not despair.
Nicotine addiction is so strong and hard to ride; it doesn’t bring with it any survivors. The freedom from it though is so rewarding. Most notice easier breathing, whiter teeth, more vibrant taste buds, and no more personal stinky. Not to mention the health benefits, and of course, the money we save. The sense of victory we feel by not having to buy the sticks that would be killing us brings such a great feeling of freedom and pride.
I would like for each and every one of you reading this to wrap your arms around yourselves and squeeze! That is a hug from me to you and until we meet again either in this life or thereafter, please remember this hug. It was given with genuine love.
Below is a poem I wrote just for this special occasion. To all of you – a huge THANK YOU!
Good friends are special and very rare
In a world that can be so hurtful and unfair
I am so fortunate and feel extremely blessed
That I found all of you and this forum, I must confess
Who would have thought that we could achieve
And all it took was persistence and the will to believe
Now look at me now I’m one full year smoke-free
Beaming with pride for all of you to see
With all of the bumps and twists this journey entailed
I feel to humbled and grateful that I did not fail
For all of the newbies out there reading this post
I raise my glass to all of you and recite this toast
Don’t give up – keep living the NOPE
Not One Puff Ever is possible with courage and hope
