> It may not be so helpful in the "encouraging" department, but I would think it'd be good to know. My dad stopped smoking, and then became friends with a guy who smoked, and started smoking again himself. My aunt stopped smoking and started again. I wish they had been warned. Maybe they were, and didn't pay attention, but I think if you're careful you can probably avoid it. I know there are so many good things people say about not smoking anymore, like they have a greater lung capacity and better sense of smell. So good luck, wintermute!
>
> Gahalia

My grandfather, having smoked most of his life, was able to stop for good several years ago. It can be done, no matter how far gone you think you may be. He's kept off it since then too. That may give me too much confidence in anyone's ability to quit, but I think that you can do it, wintermute. I'll pray for you too.

MarkN