0a3905d5_e_Smoker_s_Memorial___Page_Two__Our_Memorial_Remembrance
[#] 20 [Date] 04/28/06 [Our Memorial Remembrance] 
On November 11, 2005, I lost my father to a 21 year battle with Emphysema. My father began smoking cigarettes as a child and continued to smoke until he was diagnosed with Emphysema in 1984. Based on the stories that I have read, I guess he was lucky to get 21 more years after his diagnosis. I watched this debilitating disease reduce a strong, proud, smart man to a child during his last couple of years. During his battle with this disease, he suffered great physical pain and had all of his dignity stripped from him. As a result of a couple of strokes, he had no short term memory and was unable to carry on an indepth conversation during the last stages of his life. I was there for his last gasping breath and will forever be haunted by the memory. Although I miss him dearly, I'm glad that he isn't suffering anymore. He couldn't remember it, but I finally honored his wishes to quit smoking in April, 2005. I only pray that it's not too late for me. I wish that I would have listened to my father and quit years ago. If you haven't done so already, quit now and give yourself a chance to live to old age. Nancy Maryland
The Smoker's Memorial - Page Two
Our Memorial Remembrance