David,

Sorry to hear about your friend Kathy. The addiction to nicotine is just too strong for some to overcome. My husband has smoked since he was 17 years old...quit for about a year in his early 30's, and is now 54 years old. He smokes 1/2 pack a day, mostly in his car and at work, not at home. My sister lived with us, along with her husband during the radiation and chemo, for 8 months he saw up front what she had to go thru, and he still chooses to smoke. My sister was a health nut, ran marathons and was a vegan, only ate organic, never smoked and she died. His dad died from leukemia at the age of 58, never smoked. His best friend died from melanoma at the age of 56, just 3 years ago, smoked a pipe occasionally, but enjoyed his beer and fishing. On the other hand his uncle died at 75 years old (lung cancer), my dad died at 75 (COPD), and my brother in law's mother died at 75 (lung cancer)all were smokers.

I get on his case about smoking every now and then, but if you look at what we have experienced...all I can say is, what life hands you doesn't make sense at times. Go figure...

Hope your wife has a wonderful 50th...it's a milestone and a time to reflect back and appreciate what we have and have been thru.

Best to you,

Nancy