Reason I Love Tyler #14

I'm not posting this one because Tyler is doing it for me or because I asked him to. He's doing it for himself, as he should be. I am writing about this one because I am proud of him.

Tyler is quitting smoking.

For my entire life, my dad has smoked and I have hated it. It's one of the reasons I spent so much time in my room with the door shut. Car trips were plagued with a smoke filled car every thirty minutes or so. As a politically correct 90s kid with a D.A.R.E. education I often nagged my dad to quit smoking. Lung cancer this, emphysema that. And what about how he was KILLING my mother and me with his second hand smoke? I think I even asked my mother once--bratty little shit that I was--how she could have married a smoker.

Well, a smoker is not just a smoker. A smoker is a person with a highly addictive disgusting bad habit. And who they are is more important than that bad habit. I knew that by the time I met Tyler. But I have to admit I was secretly disappointed when he drove me on our first date and I noticed his car smelled like cigarettes. Tyler did not, by the way. I would have never suspected.

Smoking is not and was not a deal breaker. I never liked it, but I was resigned to deal with it the rest of my life just like my mom because I love Tyler and want to be with him no matter what. I told him as much. Nagging didn't work with my dad, so I wasn't going subject Tyler to it either.

Then he decided all on his own to quit. I can't say what percentage my presence in his life had to do with it. I like to think he wants to extend his life so he can spend as much time with me as possible. This has always been my argument for his quitting. I want him to be healthy. I want him to live a long life with me. Fine. I'm selfish. But also think of how much better he feels! And how much money he's saving!

Quitting a score long addiction is no easy feat so Tyler uses this handy dandy electronic smoking device we have named Charlene because it's easier than saying handy dandy electronic smoking device. And then there's this:

Homer: Now c'mon! Give your putter a name.
Bart: What?
Homer: C'mon, give it a name.
Bart: Mister Putter.
Homer: D'oh... You wanna try a little harder son? C'mon give it a girl's name.
Bart: Mom.
Homer: Your putter's name is Charlene!
Bart: Why?
Homer: It just is, that's why!

Tyler has done marvelously and I am so, so proud of him. I don't expect perfection because I have my own costly, unhealthy addiction (SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR) and I understand. I appreciate when he confesses his slip ups, too. The fact that he's even trying speaks volumes to me. I will continue to encourage him ever after and be grateful for every day that he improves his health.

Side story:
Tyler attended my aunt's wedding with me back in October. When he was outside smoking with the others who weren't allowed to do it inside, my mother said to me, "I didn't realize he smoked."
"Yes, Mom. I know."
"For all the years you complained about your dad..."
"Yes, Mom. I know."