19 Years Ago ~

This past weekend I reached the 20 weeks (140 days) smoke free mark!

Additionally, my oldest son turned nineteen; he was a Thanksgiving Day Baby. It was a GREAT Holiday that year! Doesn't seem all that long ago.

Unfortunately, 'Junior' now thinks it's okay for him to smoke cigarettes. Although he doesn't smoke around me I am still deeply hurt by his decision. He is a man now, he can choose to do as he wishes, and who am I to say after I stupidly began smoking myself at the age of just fifteen.

What hurts the most now is not just his decision but the absolute cruddy, poor and despicable example I set for him and all my kids most of their lives.

All I could really say to him was that he is an adult now, if that is what he wants to do I can't really stop him. However he should take a really good look at the long, arduous struggle I've endured and the fact that I've probably done irreparable damage to my health.

The best I can hope for now is that he can see the example I am trying to set in becoming and staying smoke free!

If any of my fellow recovering smokers out there have suggestions, I'd love to hear them.