Bear with me.

[Popo72]

I rarely post now but wanted to post this for anybody about to or currently going through a stressful situation, in the hope at least you will realise your situation is probably not as bad as mine

I quit in September last year and since then :

My youngest son 5 has been admitted to hospital twice for viral induced wheeze

My dad was admitted to hospital 2 days before Hogmanay with pneumonia

I have been at risk of redundancy twice

Last night in a surprise news my mum (age 60) was found dead.

I will not smoke, when it is my time I would rather die not a junkie that a junkie. At first these things took me by surprise and I craved badly... Now I am a tower of strength... I will win this war.

I am not looking to get any sympathy... I am looking to help strengthen anybody else hitting a stressful patch. Smoking or not from me everybody is now fine with the exception of my mum.. Who I now must bury, way too early and largely related to being a junkie... A path I choose not to travel...

Keep not smoking folks.

Paul

[nsd_user663_53617]

Paul, I don't know what to say but I admire your integrity and resolve a true strength in character - there is no going back. My thoughts are with you x

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

You are right smoking never helps, the trials that life throw at you are unchanged. Sounds like you have had a heck of a time.

My deepest sympathy on the death of your mother 60 is no age.

[nsd_user663_57259]

I am actually quite speechless. Your post has evoked so many emotions. I am so sorry for your loss and I truly admire your strength at this difficult time.

[nsd_user663_57882]

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.

My thoughts are with you and your family

Baly

[nsd_user663_20558]

My sympathies to you Paul, I'm so sorry about your mum.

You're right - reaching for a cig in these circumstances wouldn't - couldn't - help with any of your troubles.

I found that sudden loss of a loved one actually made me less inclined to smoke, because it was a stark reminder of how precious life is, and how foolish we've been to gamble with our health for so long.

Sending a prayer up for you and yours at this sad and difficult time. Stay strong.

Helen

[AngryBear]

Missed this one Popo, hope you're coping still, I'm sure you are. Inspirational post all the same, take care

[Popo72 5 Years Smoke Free]

Angry,

Of course I am coping fine. Up late typing eulogy... Smoking has never been a consideration matey...

Thanks everyone for the kind wishes and thoughts.... I have a great lot in life in general and just get on with it... My family takes up all my time when I'm not working and my running and I have a sunny disposition but the last 8 months it is getting beyond ridiculous..... I know it is not humorous but it is becoming a bit of a comedy (in the Shakespearean sense) and I'm beginning to brace myself at every door knock or phone call...

This will all come to pass and a fag won't actually make a blind bit of difference as to when or how it will pass, that the truth of it.

P