(Photo courtesy of one of my best friends, Trena. This photo was taken in 1990, our senior year of high school.)

Yes, I was a smoker. Key word? Was.

Before I even get started, I will say right off the bat that I know there is nothing I can say or do to change you, your mind, how you feel and what you do. YOU have to want that change. YOU have to make that change. But maybe, just maybe, I can help get the ball rolling. And for that, here’s what I have to say:

I am kind of celebrating a big milestone today.

Today, thanks to my son, Brandon, I celebrate 10 years of being smoke-free. YES! 10 YEARS! I’ve said it to him before, but I will say it to him again, in fact, I will shout it…THANK YOU, BRANDON! Thank you for saying those eight simple…