I've been a smoker for most of my adult life. However, I am making up my mind to quit starting today. Smoking (in my opinion) is the worst habit that a person can do. In other words (quite frankly), it is slow suicide.

My grandfather smoked all his life. Towards the end of his life (after being diagnosed with emphasema), he had to walk around with an oxygen tank wherever he went. Had he not been a smoker, he would still be alive today (I would give anything to talk to my grandfather just one more time). Furthermore, my best friend's dad died two days ago from lung cancer. . .

Most of my other friends (from school or other social outlets) smoke. However, if I have to, I will change my friends. I just don't think that I can be around people like that anymore, for two reasons: 1) I don't want to see my friends kill themselves slowly. 2) I don't want to be enticed into smoking again.

My mom works for a leading oncologist here in Atlanta, and she sees patients with lung cancer every day. All I can tell you is that she comes home every day practically begging me to quit, as she sees things in the office that would scare most smokers to death.

So, if there's anyone out there trying to quit, my message is this: You can do it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm going to do it now, and I don't want to see another cigarette as long as I live! I just thank God that I am still young enough to quit without any permanent damage to my lungs. . . Hopefully (God willing), I will never go back to that nasty habit. . .