When I quit in my early 20's it was after watching one of the most important people in my life die after a short illness. It was a preventable illness and death, but my sister didn't take care of herself well enough. She left behind four children under the age of 18. Her ex-husband, the father of the three oldest kids, had committed suicide about two weeks before she died.

She and I had tried to quit together numerous times. She had been like my second Mom, 13 1/2 years older than me. I didn't want to leave my kids like that if I could avoid it. I had a nearly one year old son at the time (my oldest.) She was only 37 years old.

I'm certain that I've had MS for many years. I have to wonder now that if I hadn't quit back then if it would have gotten worse than it did and if it wouldn't be as calm as it is right now (knock on genuine wood.)