Other than family birthdays, our anniversary and Thanksgiving – July 24th is the day on my mental calendar that stands out more than any other. It’s the day I took my life back. It’s the day I quit chewing tobacco.
18 Years of Freedom From Nicotine
18 years ago this morning, I spit out my last dip. It’s been 18 years since I’ve ingested any nicotine in any form. No dip, no chew, no cigarettes, no cigars, no nicotine pouches. Nothing. With the exception of my relationships with family and friends it is probably the thing I’m most proud of in my life.
If this is something you have struggled with I am always open to talk about my experiences. I can promise you you’re not alone in your struggles.
This also serves as my yearly shoutout to my incredible support network at KillTheCan.org. Without those men and women I’d still be lost in a habit that consumed nearly two decades of my life. Saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem enough but it’s all I’ve got. Thank you. I’m so proud to say that in this 18th year I’ve now been quit for longer than I was a user. If I could find the Walsh Jesuit football schedule (I took my first dip at my first high school football game) for 1990 I’d be able to tell you the exact date when I passed that milestone.
Special thanks to my wife for putting up with me… not just through years of being a nicotine addict but in general. To say I’m a handful is an understatement and the fact that she leads our ship is nothing short of extraordinary. I’m in awe of what she’s able to accomplish as the head of our family, a business owner and the best partner a guy could ever ask for. Love you Mama.
More Significance…
For as significant as July 24th is to me, sadly it’s more significant today. It marks the 1 year anniversary of my Father’s death. I think of him daily and even though he was 82 at the time of his death I can’t help to feel that I’ve been denied many more years of his love, guidance and leadership. Cancer took him from us and it is yet another reminder why I fight my personal battle against nicotine and tobacco. Love you Dad… and I miss you terribly. FUCK CANCER.
Day 6,576 / 18 Years – Never Again
