Letter from Father to Son

Hey doods… wanted to share something with you… my son (oldest one–10 years old) always tells me that he “saved my life”.  Actually, it’s true–i don’t know if i would have quit if he wouldn’t have asked me to.  Anyway, i wrote a letter to him which i will give him tomorrow after i post up 2 years!!  Here is the letter…

Jameson,

2 years ago, you asked me to quit chewing.  You told me that it was bad for me and that you didn’t want me to do it anymore.  I didn’t want to let you down… I decided to try and quit, for myself first of all but also for you.  I knew it would be hard to quit—tobacco/nicotine is a very serious addiction.  At the same time though, it was also hurting my body by using it and that fact was actually something I just ignored for 13 years.  The whole 13 years I chewed, I never once tried to quit… I didn’t want to.  Mommy wanted me to quit but she didn’t ever push me—she just said it was yucky and she wished I didn’t do it.  I should have listened to her, but I didn’t.  Over the years, people always said I needed to quit, but I didn’t listen.  For me, it was a habit… a habit that I actually enjoyed.  However, I completely ignored the fact that it was an addiction—a poison that was shortening my life and had the power to end my life if I kept doing it.  How selfish of me.  I am sorry.

I am glad that you spoke up.  I used to laugh because you would say to me “daddy, why do you always eat tobacco”…When you asked me to quit 2 years ago I thought, “yea—I can do this”.  It will take some serious commitment, focus, determination and will power but I’m a strong person so I should be able to knock this out.  You, mommy and your brother and sister were very supportive of me throughout the ups and downs as I vowed to quit—one day at a time.  You know one other thing that helps me a ton is that silly website I am on so much (killthecan.org).  You see, that place is filled with people just like me that are trying to rid their lives of nicotine.  So, I go there for support too… and, it has been a huge help.  Has it been easy to quit???  NO way man.  It is probably the hardest thing I have ever done.  Does it get easier as time goes by?  Yes, but it is still a challenge every day.  When I think about chew or have a craving for one, I remind myself of you and all the reasons I quit—that is what keeps me going each day!!

I guess one of the reasons I tell you this is because someday, you will be faced with a decision.  You will have a choice to make.  I promise you that at some point in your life somebody will offer you some form of tobacco.  It may be chew or a cigarette or some other form… but, I guarantee you that you will be approached.  I’m going to ask you to think of me when that day comes… think about how long I used tobacco and how I quit.  Think of the harm it did to me and the struggle it was to quit and how evil the addiction is.  You asked me to quit… I’m asking you to never start!  But, you are much better than me son, so I know it will never be an issue with you.

For the past 730 days (that’s 2 years) I have had a new addiction—Quitting tobacco!!!  Every day, normally just as soon as I get up and at my computer, I go to killthecan.org.  I give my word to all of those complete strangers that I will not use tobacco that day.  That layer of accountability strengthens my resolve and takes using tobacco for that day completely out of play because I will not break my word.  In addition though, when I give my word to those people, I am giving my word to you that I will not use tobacco. My word is bond Jameson.  You will never truly understand how meaningful it is to me that you had the courage to confront my nasty habit and ask me to give it up.  You will never understand exactly what kind of positive impact that had on my life.  I am a better person without tobacco and I owe that to you.

As a small gift I want you to have this little poker chip.  I bought two of these—one for me, one for you.  It is from killthecan.org and it signifies me being tobacco free for 2 years.  They have these for all different levels so when we get to 3 years, I’ll get us another one!!  This will be my reminder and my commitment to you and our family.

I love you very much Jameson… I’m so proud of who you are, I couldn’t have asked for a better little buddy.  But, most importantly……………….Thank you, Jameson… Thank you for saving my life, son.

Love,
Dad

I will not say I am quit for forever and I don’t have to.  I only have to be quit for TODAY.  I will do the same tomorrow and forever will get worked out in the process.

NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan community member Wildcat99