In about an hour I will have Two Smoke Free Years under my belt! Many of you know the story! I came here kicking and screaming and not wanting to quit! To this day, I feel I was forced to the decision by confiscatory taxes, and inflated insurance rates, and I resent that! But the results are good! I came here expecting a bunch of know-it-all types, who would want to tell me how to run my life! Instead I found a bunch of kind hearted people, who’s only goal was to help me quit! And help me they did!
It would be impossible for me to name all who were there for me! It is safe to say, that I have made some wonderful friends here! You will live in my heart as long as it continues to beat! To every friend that I have here, I want to say thank you! You have all played a role in my quit! You showed me what I eventually termed “Collateral Kindness”! You made my quit not only possible, but you made it impossible for me to fail!
One year ago, on New Years Eve, I vowed to drive the Train of Freedom thru 2011, and carry all to Freedom from the bondage of nicotine! Little did I know then, what a great thing that The Freedom Train would become! It has outgrown my wildest dream! I want to take a moment tonight to thank the Ladies who have stepped up to help me keep this dream alive! Maggie, LindaN, Marcie, Cyn, and Shill! Thank you all for your dedication and hard work!
Tonight, I offer no grand promises for the future! I can only promise that I will do all in my power to help those who come here to quit! New friends, and established ones, please know that I will be here for you! I will be right behind you if you need a push. I will out in front if you need someone to pull you through a rough spot! But mostly I will be right beside you! I will be there when you need a place to lean, and rest!. I will climb with you, the mountain of Freedom! I will hold your hand on the Freedom Train! And I will draw my greatest pleasure from watching your success! I will smile as I watch you reach back to bring others with you! There is a Smoke Free future for all, and together we can reach the top of the mountain!
So to all of you tonight, I send wishes for a Happy New Year! May we go forward together, and prosper! Tommy
