I have a love in my life. It’s present tense, past tense, and sadly, it’s not future tense. Though I will always love her, we cannot be together any longer. I’m moving on for both of us. So that I can heal, and so that she may love another. And I know she will. And does.

I was at the drycleaners yesterday. Wait, not drycleaners. Doctor’s. I was at the doctor’s yesterday. That conglomerate out at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. There were two residents attending, and a senior doctor that came in. We talked about my problems. And this woman, about my age and easily with more wisdom, says, “You have to quit.”

And so I have to quit you, dear cigarettes. Cigarillos. Smokes. My friend, my enemy. A large part of destruction in my self-destruction. Even as I type this farewell, I enjoy every last bit of you. God, how I love you.

We still have a little time together. My heart is yours even after goodbye… It’s for the best.