Thanks for writing this Alex.

Never underestimate your strength or power as one person. I’m with you as far as the state of things. Also know that smoking or not doesn’t change things around us. If it did I’d be first in line to buy a carton.

Im a believer in not everyone can carry the weight of the world, but I’m also a believer in if we all carry a little bit and not stick our heads in the sand and ignore it, it will get better. You are doing an important and powerful part by raising your littles as you are to have open minds and hearts. Don’t underestimate that power either. 
Human nature is...strange. In so many ways. So, though I have little hope that we will ever get to a place globally where all lives matter equally, I do have hope that we can impact in small ways daily for ourselves and those around us. Even if NOT supporting big tobacco is all we do, it is something...

Where are you?

Loreficent said:

I do have hope that we can impact in small ways daily for ourselves and those around us.

This is very good.  I'm in Atlanta, GA - United States.  Where are you?  Update too.  God revealed to me yesterday what I am to do.  I didn't realize it at the time (that it was an answer to my prayer on 6/8 that I wrote on here), but it was the answer.  Here's what poured out of me yesterday:

And God said to me… /

“What if you view them as family?” /

And you know what?

It changed my heart /

I knew from the start /

That God had the answers

I just couldn’t impart /

My views on the world

And expect them to understand /

What was from my hands /

Because it wasn’t their hands /

It wasn’t theirs to understand /

It was my rock to carry

It was my rock to hold /

And its okay if it hurts

And its ok to be bold /

Its ok to have boundaries

Its okay to leave alone /

Its okay to not be okay

Its okay to want to feel numb /

But what’s not okay…

Is to spew hatred and anger /

That helps nothing

And does nothing

To solve what is in danger /

Keep on loving

Keep on loving

Love comes from above /

God told me, “Love My kids.”

Not just those easy to love /

I say, “God, but it’s hard!”

And He says, “I know. /

Just do it anyway…

…we have a long way to go /

And I know it is written…

…that it is done.

I finished it.  /

But you still have steps to take

Til your journey’s done with /

So, keep going My precious

Keep going with faith /

I have you in My hand 

And My hand won’t shake.” /

“Lord, I’m saddened by what I see. /

I say, “I love you”

They say, ‘No you don’t!’

Why don’t they believe me?”  /

Cause I mess up when I’m hurt

It blocks Your love from them

When its to come thru me /

I allowed the hurt inside

To leak out

And I’m sorry /

“Its okay, my daughter 

I share in your sadness /

One day it will be over

And there will be no more madness /

Until then, keep on trudging

It is worth it

I promise /

Keep your eyes on me

And you won’t lose your balance.” /

Oh...

That is just so lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.

I am in Portland, Oregon now since 2004 when I left Atlanta. Had been there full time after College in Seattle since 2001. Grew up in the Upper Midwest. Lived in Columbus, GA for 3 years in late 80’s while in the Military. Love Savannah still as well as all the coast there and the southern swamps and miss fireflies and thunderstorms tremendously. 
Still have friends in Atlanta and miss them too. 
My daughter was born in Atlanta but was just learning to walk when I left.

   I have had company the last week so wasn't able to come here except to NOPE one day.  What a beautiful memorial to your Daddy.  He sounds so special to you and I can tell you loved him to the moon and back.  Your memorial brought laughter and tears to me, thank you so much for sharing.  I would love to tell you about Pete,  I will get my thoughts together and share with you one day.

  Congratulations on 10 months.  I am so proud of us both.  Never thought I would see this day, but now I can see a year, 5 years and beyond.  Not sure when this happened but I think it was when I was putting one foot in front of the other and just not smoking.  Onward bound, my friend.  Sending you and your family big hugs.  Onward to 11...

Hi DbAnne,  Sorry I took so long to answer but there are 10 packs to a carton.  I was literally a chimney, so glad to not do that anymore.  Keep going, it gets better and better.

Yay!  10 months!  Congrats Brenda!  I can't wait to hear about Pete.  We will make it to 11 months.  I, too, can see 1 year, 5 years, and beyond.  Thank you God!!  xoxo

             11 months , Sweety !!  A great big congratulations to you !!  So proud of you !!

Aw Brenda thank you!  When I saw the email notification come in I was all smiles  Congratulations to you too!! I can’t believe we’re still doing it!! 

Dearest Alex,
I hope at this point in your quit, you look back with pride that you persevered!  You are a strong quitter!

Thank you so much Susan!  I can’t wait to make it to the clubhouse!!