Smoking

My girlfriend, Angelina, had a wake-up call yesterday.

I was at a district meeting with Aflac in Smith Center all day, and got a call from Angelina around 4 p.m. on my way home. She said she was just getting home from Lindsborg (where she works) because she had spent the day in the Emergency room at the hospital and under observation for high blood pressure. She had been feeling weird and had known that her blood pressure was a little high lately, but it all came to a head yesterday. Luckily, she is feeling better but she had an awakening of sorts as a result. She has decided she must quit smoking immediately.

Those of you who know me know that I have battled with the smoking addiction for many, many years and have quit on several occasions only to start up again later. It has been the one thing in my life that I am the least proud of and the hardest thing to conquer. Angelina has asked that I support her and try to quit as well. Of course I agreed. It's very important for her to quit, but not any less important for me. I have had respiratory problems for years as a result of my smoking, yet I still smoke. I don't want a wake-up call like Angelina had. I hope that's not what it will take for me to finally say goodbye to smoking for good.

The most important part my friends and family can play in helping us both to quit is for them to be supportive instead of critical. Criticism will only make things worse for both of us. Rather, love and support is so very helpful. Those who have never smoked can never understand how difficult it is and what Angelina and I are about to go through. Saying "just quit" is like telling a high-jumper to "just jump over the bar". It can happen, but not without a lot of hard work and support from everyone.

I hope those of you who read this will be understanding and supportive of both of us while we go through this battle together.

Peace,

Alex