In Memory Of Coda

I usually don't do this kind of thing until November - My mom's birthday. But I watched one of the sweetest men I've even known die Saturday, so I feel the need to do this now. My good friends Nat & Coda sold everything they had, moved from Southern California to Pahrump Nevada to retire and travel the country in their motorhome. A month after the move, Coda was diagnosed with lung cancer that had seeded and moved to his brain. His death was peaceful and at home, which I am very grateful for. There he was - surrounded by five women who loved him. We were all in the bedroom being silly where Coda lay I'm sure unconsiously enjoying our sillyness. He had a small seizure and died then, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by women who loved him very much. We cried at his passing and rejoiced that his suffering was over. Coda wasn't even 60 yet. So I stand here in his honor and plead with you smokers. Quit. It is not worth it. I know addictions are hard to break - let me tell you - watching this man die was harder. Don't put yourself through it. Don't put your family through it. Quit. Now. - Linda -

I'm so sorry to hear about Coda. My prayers are with you & your friends.

Linda, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. It's so hard to lose someone you love, but it sounds like he had made his peace. I couldn't agree with you more in your plea for people to stop smoking. I work with a woman who is super morbidly obese. We talked many times about having this surgery and finally both started to pursue it. She smoked and couldn't or wouldn't quit so couldn't find a surgeon who would operate on her. Right now as I type, she's lying in ICU, unable to speak or move her right side. She had a stroke that ravaged her body. At the age of 46, she's probably never going to get full function back. I can't imagine how this has impacted the lives of her 4 small children. I hope you find comfort is the fact that your friend is no longer in pain. Connie

This is so sad It scares the crap out of me as my husband still smokes. I want him to quit so bad. I cannot stand the smell of it anymore and keep telling him he needs to quit. He just isnt scared enough. That is what got me to quit. The fear of getting cancer and getting sick and not being there for my little guy. I am going to mention this to my husband tonight just as a reminder of what it does to you. Elizabeth M