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Some of the old timers around here know my story, but I thought I'd share it for those who are relatively new. Also, it's definitely on my mind, as my "anniversary" is impending, on 10/13. Seventeen years ago, my 42 y/o brother died of lung cancer. It was a terrible, grueling death, exacerbated quite dramatically by his shame and guilt for his smoking, which he was unable to quit even after the diagnosis and many treatments. Indeed, after he lost consciousness for the last time, he was still making smoking motions with his hands, bringing imaginary cigarettes to his lips. Thankfully, I was able to visit him to say goodbye on the day before his death, though I had to leave to get back to work the next day, four hours away. I don't have much memory of that next day, October 13, though I did go to work and teach my classes; then, as was typical those days, I went to the gym after work. In the locker room, I collapsed with a major (so called "Widowmaker") heart attack and cardiac arrest--strangers found me (blue and not breathing) and some emergency CPR and AED were administered as they waited for the ambulance to arrive. Unconscious, I was taken to hospital, where I remained in critical condition for three days with very low chances of survival and even lower of surviving without significant cognitive impairments. My crisis occurred at 5PM; at about 9PM, Mark died. Two hours later, given the horror she had experienced, his wife took her own life. I would learn these facts only several days later after I had regained consciousness, and I'm told that they needed to be repeated to me dozens of times because of my initial cognitive and memory challenges. Shortly after I was told, I'd ask again, "How is Mark?" I imagine that it was incredibly frightening and sad for my parents and wife to hear this. I share this story not for pity, but as a testament to the ravages of smoking. Mark was a heavy smoker, and his wife smoked even more. My own emergency was caused in part by my thirteen years of heavy smoking, from 18-33. I had been quit for seven years before this health catastrophe, but it definitely played a role. On the other hand, every doctor with whom I've worked since has told me that I had absolutely no chance of survival had a still been a smoker. Zero. So quitting smoking literally saved my life at age 40. Given what I saw with my brother, I've become convinced that while I absolutely quit for a better life, I also quit for a better death. Thanks for listening (sorry for the "trauma porn"), and keep the quit everyone! Christian99 Nearing 24 Years Quit

flee the scene

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Waterloo

fall short

Pig Farmer

NOPE

NOPE!!

N.O.P.E.

NOPE

NOPE…

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.

Hi and Welcome, it’s great to have you here, and Big Congrats on your near 6 week quit, that is fabulous. remember to give yourself rewards, it could be a small weekly reward, or a bigger monthly reward, all that cash saved from not smoking, could get you something you really wanted but couldn’t afford, plus it keeps the motivation going, who doesn’t love a reward Most of all, stay positive and determined, if you want something badly, you will get it . all the best

Congratulations on 10 years smoke free @Cbdave and thanks for all that you do to continue helping others.

Congratulations again @Cbdave

Many congratulations!! Wonderful achievement and thanks for all you do here!!!

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congratulations on 10 years quit, that is fanblimmintastic. Thank you for the doing the Nope every day, and keeping us focussed. Hope you Celebrate like a king!

Yep I’m here

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Welcome @Cbdave to the Decade Party Take your drink at the bar And let’s Party

Congratulations On your fabulous 10 whole years smoke free We are waiting for you at the Decade Party Thank you so much for firing up the engine every morning We would be lost with out you

Hi Jo Wow … I’m so sorry you have had to deal with this … it’s sounds horrible… Dam smoking …. Even after years of quitting , it can come back and slap us in the face .. I wish you well in the future , for a speedy recovery

Never take another puff Even if your arse is on fire

Well done! You seem to have the right stuff to keep this quit going. Stay close and strong. Reach if need be. Love the Telecaster!