Thanks for all the kindness and thoughts and prayers and comfort during when my brother was diagnosed with cancer up until he died. All the replies and emails and texts were really appreciated.

Thanks so much. Seriously. I may have lost a brother but you've shown I have lots more here.

If you'd ever want to do something for me, you can do me a favor and, if you smoke, do your best to quit. I lost a grandfather, a father and a brother to smoking related disease. It sucks to watch someone you love die in front of your eyes. I know it's not easy, just try for me. That's all I wanted to say.

Amen brother.

Always

You're welcome, Mark. And your comments about smoking are on the mark. My dad died at age 75 after 11 years degradation following serious strokes. He'd been a heavy smoker all his adult life. He (and my mother) started smoking long before the really bad effects of it were well known.

flashguy

Lost my mom to esophageal cancer. A really cruel way to die. Lose your voice box. Your teeth. Have to have a feeding tube, and add powder to water to thicken it so you don’t choke.

I would have an occasional “social” cigarette. Can’t imagine doing it now.

I enjoy your posts, and will be thinking of you Mark.