One of my best friends passed away yesterday from throat cancer. He was a year younger than me. I visited him in the hospital when he first found out
That was 8 years ago. We slowly drifted apart and it was about a year ago the last time we talked. I found out that that is about the time the cancer came back with a vengeance. They tried 2 surgeries to get it bit they couldn't beat it. He pretty much cut off communication with everybody because he didn't want to burden them. I wish I would have known. I guess he was luving in Texas. I would have driven down there just to see him one more time. We were both adopted and we joked we might be brothers. From 7th grade through high school and on and off as roommates for years after, we practically were. We shared some of the best times, and supported each other through the worst. I'll always remember you Ken. Rest easy brother.
He was a heavy smoker and drinker. We all were back then. Some quit and some didn't. I have struggled off and on with cigarettes for this whole time. Lately with the stress of life I have been dual using again. I found this Zippo when I was moving. It used to belong to him. He got it with Camel Cash years ago. It is one of the few reminders I have of him. And it's a warning. Everytime I want to light a cigarette I pause and think about where it took him.
I am reminded why I decided to quit in the first place
I read an article in 2012 about a guy named Bryan Lee Curtis who died at 33 years old, leaving behind a wife and a 2 year old son.
Smoking Kills - Bryan Story - "He wanted you to know"
I never want to put my wife and son through that.