My Old Smoking Buddy Died Yesterday...

When I quit smoking 3 and a half years ago, my smoking buddy Eddie had that sad look in his eyes. He was happy for me of course, but sorry that he couldn't quit with me. He wanted to, and told me so, but he just didn't believe it was possible. I told him it was, and assured him that quitting isn't hard forever. The pain of withdrawal only lasts a short time,stop smoking now, I told him, and better days, MUCH better days follow. Unfortunately, Eddie couldn't find his way through the smokescreen prison he was in. I wish he'd been able to come to our Smoking Cessation forum for support, but he wasn't a computer kind of guy.The last time I saw Eddie was this past October. He came by to tell me he'd quit working because they'd found lung cancer and he was going to start a treatment program. I gave him a hug, told him how sorry I was, and wished him strength. That was the last time I ever saw Eddie.He died yesterday, just a handful of months after his diagnosis. He was in his early 50's.***********************Don't ever doubt the value of what you're working to accomplish when you quit smoking. Take your quit programs seriously, and kick this killer of an addiction out of your lives, once and for all. Don't fret about the past and damage done, and don't waste time worrying about the what-ifs of tomorrow that may never come to pass. In reality, TODAY is the only day completely within our control. Make yours count, and make it SMOKE FREE!Is it Too Late for Me to Quit Smoking?I've smoked for most of my adult life. Sometimes I wonder if it's too late for quitting to be of any benefit for me. Is the damage already done?