I can’t help but reminisce as I stare down at the emergency room floor. Each square tile, and rectangular fluorescent reflection causes me to ponder. Oh my have the years flew; I realized.

Sitting in disgust of how poorly and unwise I’d been. Thirty plus years of unhealthy tobacco consumption. Not counting the other habits. Sometimes we never realize until the body reacts!

“Mr. Green follow me please!” the vibrant nurse said as she approached me.

“Yes mam, sorry I was in deep thought there”, I replied.

I grabbed my cane, and proceeded behind the young nurse.

“What has your focus today Mr. Green?” She asked me.

“Life,” I replied with a cough

“What about life Mr. Green?” She asked, with a curious face.

“Coming here just makes me realize my past decisions, you know? Here I am 55 years old, with a bad lung!” I replied. Feeling a tremendous croak in my throat

“ I really should’ve listened to my dear wife! She’s always told me to quit smoking!”

“ I agree, I warn my husband all the time of the dangers smoking causes. He loves his cigarettes!” the nurse replied.

“God bless you, please stay on him mam!” I responded. We entered my appointed room. “What’s your name Ms?”

“Janice!” the nurse replied.

“Janice! Sweet name. Please tell your husband each light, is like a match struck at the lung. Coughing up blood and struggling for air is no joke. It’s better to let it go!” I told Ms. Janice

“I will!” she replied exiting the hospital room.