Praise the Lord! Praise his holy name. I am so happy for you, especially that your husband has quit smoking for good. Could go on and on about it -- But will only make one major point: Your old age. I live in a place for disabled and elderly people. The difference between the ones who took care of their bodies and never smoked is astounding when compared to the ones who smoked and abused their bodies. ### is in her mid-70's and can run like the wind, whereas ###, who smoked and drank, is on oxygen and has lost teeth due to gum damage. Then is my mom and dad -- My father is 77. He exercised every morning of his life and never smoked. He is in excellent, excellent health. The man can still do 70 push-ups. Contrast with my mom -- Smoked her way into COPD and emphysema. She needs a rescue inhaler if she climbs up three steps. They had to redo the whole house so she would not have to climb up and down the stairs to do laundry. The copays for her medications are astronomical, one of the reasons my dad cannot stop working. And the whole house had to be redone because my mother could not handle walking up and down the stairs to do laundry anymore. She sleeps propped on three pillows at night, almost upright. I also believe that the smoking plus the fact she never, ever did any kind of exercise in her life has weakened her bones. She has lost about three inches in height. Her shoulders have shrunk. It is normal to lose a little height as you age and also to lose some shoulder width, but in my father's case it is minimal. I have spoken to my dad -- He loves my mother very much and would take a bullet for her. But he has expressed some feelings of let-down and disappointment. He told me he always thought when they got older, they would be able to spend their time golfing and doing other fun things. My mom just cannot do that. So see? Quality of life is so important as we age. Makes all the difference. Your husband has taken a giant step in helping to ensure you will both be able to enjoy each other as you get older. I suggest you continue along this path -- cardio and aerobic exercises, weight-bearing exercises, proper nutrition, dietary supplements. Here's to a long and happy life for you both. I pray things just get better for you and your husband. I pray in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Amen and amen.
