Dear Me,

Do you know you’re 25 years old? Do you? Do you know that your chest hurts when you smoke too many cigarettes? I do. Do you know that you never DON’T smoke too many cigarettes? I do.

Your father just had a heart attack. He nearly died. Smoking is the leading cause of a second heart attack. Your family suffers from so many many many medical conditions. Why are you adding smoking? You don’t like yourself when you smoke.

You hate the cold, so winter and New Hampshire and smoking are a terrible mix for you. Think cold pain spikes in your finger tips and switching hands with each drag so you can put the other one back in your pocket.

So, why do you keep saying you have to quit and then not do it?

Seriously? Don’t you know you’re stronger than your addiction? I do. 

Sincerely,

Beverly

Dear Me:

I smoke for no reason, I smoke to many years, I don’t like the smell or the taste in my mouth. I’m coughing, I have developed bronchitis with frequent colds, I want to play with my grandchildren without being out of breath, go for walks with them, spend time; cause when I take time to smoke my grandchildren won’t come near me for about 45 minutes. I’m praying I can do it. I use tobaco to convince me I need to smoke to calm me, or just because there is nothing else to do, light up cause everyone else does. I have to put in my mind I can have a better cruch than a cigarette; I will carry a picture of my grandchildren knowing there healthy and I have a chance of being heathy again. The fear of not smoking again is tremondous; I will find supplements like mouth wash, candy, celery sticks, fruits, the first week is the most nightmare of letting go. I tell myself I can do this for me. My mind will tell me back not smoking is the best part of life. Wish me luck. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

 Misty

Dear Me,

You know the reason you started smoking again. I know it wasn’t an easy time when Mom died last year. She smoked and ended up with terminal lung cancer. You saw what she went through. You were with her when she got diagnosed and started treatment. Yes it was too late but she gave you 6 1/2 months after being diagnosed. You started smoking and now it is time to quit. Again… You have a little boy who looks up to you and thinks you are his whole world. Health is another reason. For you and for him. So get the help you need. It is going to be hard but you can do it. You are a strong person. You will overcome this.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Dear Me:

I have been smokeing since i was 17 and I want to STOP. I want to have more money to do things with friends and family. It has been difficult for me but i am doing it. I am feeling Healthier and more energetic than i have been!!!!

Sincerely,

 James B

Dear Me,

The morning cough has gotten pretty bad, hasn’t it? You’re either going to blow a blood vessel or be picking your eye balls up off the ground. Enough already! Those immune supressants for our RA make it alot more likely to pick up more wonderful diseases.I don’t understand me,Let’s get some help. See ya round if you don’t blow out you’re eyeballs.

Head in the sand Me.

Dear Me:

I have been trying to figure out why I started to smoke in the first place. It was tv shows back then that showed the people smoking and cigarette ads on the tv. Seing many adults smoke including family members from parents to grand parents and aunts and uncles. It seemed like the thing to do then. Parents asking you to go light them a cigarette….to go get their cigarettes. So here I am trying to figure out what it would be like to be smoke free since I was about 8 years old. I don’t recall what it is like. I struggle with the thought of quitting and then seem to smoke even more. I know that I would like to be free of them and just don’t seem to love myself enough to be able to quit. I know that I need help with this. The big question……Can I do it and make it forever?

Sincerely,

Sharon

Dear Me:

 

Remember 4 years ago when my grandson asked for a Christmas present.? I asked him what that was, and unselfishly he said he wanted me to quit smoking. I promised I would. Four years later I now have COPD and am still smoking. Everytime he sees me he asks me the same question. I feel so guilty. I am trying to quit. It is not easy but I swear that by this Christmas I will finally keep my promise to him. I love my grandchildren and want to be around for a long time.

Sincerely,

Raymond