My MIL had double pneumonia and a collapsed lung about 7 or 8 years ago, and she quit smoking for a while, but then went back to it. Four and a half years ago, she had triple bypass surgery and a blood clot, quit for a few years and went back. As a former smoker, I don't get that. After going without a cigarette for years, the smell of smoke is so repulsive, I can't imagine picking one up again.

The first month was the hardest, but it does get easier each day. That's the good news. And Quitter's hotline encouraged you to think of cigarettes as that reckless friend from your youth who never quite grew up. You know that, as much as you love hanging with them, it's too risky. And not to be discouraged if you stumble. Just get back on the wagon again as soon as you can.