The Record.

Last night my Son Daniel text me to tell me, “I’ve given up smoking.” The number of times a smoker has said that to me at home and at work, I usually know by now how it ‘works,’ I said, to Daniel, “That’s good, it won’t be easy, as Neve, Paul, your friends and work colleagues all smoke, so it won’t be easy,” He replied, “I know,” I went on, “It is SO expensive,” Daniel said, “It really is,” I added, “And it is very unhealthy,” Daniel responded, “I agree Mum.” I texted him back, “Best wishes, I wish you all the Best,” His final text was, “Thank you Mum, love you.” I replied, “Love you too.”

An hour later I got a text from Daniel to say, “I can’t do it, it too hard, I have to have a fag.” I replied, “OK Daniel.”

I thought, that’s got to be a record somewhere! I know at work, when different co-workers say, “I’ve stopped smoking,” I reply, “Congratulations!” Then they proudly tell me how many days or weeks it has been, then before you know it, they are smoking again. I’ve never took a drag in my life, not one, I am proud to say, but, I 100% agree and know it is very addictive. And for that reason, anyone who has wanted to give up and have not made it, they have my sympathy. Smokers like my Husband Paul, don’t see this as a good example, but If I was to say, “I will give up chocolate, crisp, cake and biscuits, oh and fizzy drinks, and never have any of them again in my whole life, that would be very hard!” I would wonder if it was worth going my whole life without them. I think I would have to weigh up the pros and cons and decide, ‘I gotta have em.’ Paul would always reply, “That’s not the same, they are not bad for your health,” But for some people, they are.

My Daughter who was sitting next to me I told her, “Daniel has started smoking again.” She had been sitting next to me, when I told her, “Daniel has stopped smoking.” Meghan asked, “Can I text him some ideas and encouragements?” I replied, “Yes.” She said, to me, “I will tell him he can get gums, patches and other things from the Doctor and more.”

I remember saying to Daniel years ago, “It’s not easy to give up smoking,” Confidently he’d reply, “I can give up anytime I want.” Years later, he can’t. He bought a vape last year, he used it for one day! And now, still so young. It’s his battle, I support him either way, if he stops or not.