It has been raining here every day for almost a week — EXTREMELY rare for my neck of the woods! But this morning the sun is actually shining in a big, blue sky and it sure is a welcome sight 🌞.
And on this beautiful morning, my ol’ ticker turned over to One Year. Today's my Freedom Anniversary! Wow. From the bottom of my heart, with the deepest gratitude, I thank everyone here on Ex who have supported me and cheered me on these last 365 days.
Not quite two months ago, on March 21st, my dear father passed away. He was in end-stage COPD and it was heartbreaking to witness his decline. I held his hand as he passed from this world. He was such a wonderful and sweet man, and he never complained, but I know he was so frustrated that his body gave out on him. He was still sharp as a tack, funny, loving, caring; he just couldn’t breathe anymore. An awful thing. Smoking killed both my mother and father.
We had to make a wild dash back home (an 800 mile drive) to be with him for a few days before he died. I was so terrified that the stress and anguish would overcome my smobriety and that I would blow it. But the darndest thing happened: I realized that I just didn’t want to smoke. The thought of smoking was beyond disgusting to me.
And that was the biggest turning point in my forever quit: I had passed from wanting to smoke, but not smoking, to a place where it just doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest. I can’t put it into words well enough to describe what a watershed moment it was.
I no longer want to smoke.
One day at a time, I am free.
Cheers, Terry 365 Days of Freedom
