I’ve had a wonderful life with my wife of 55 years. We had our ups and downs, but held together through hell and high water.

My many deployments in the Army were the times I missed my family the most. We had seven children (one passed away at birth, a daughter 48 years ago). The remainder, four boys and two girls, have given us 18 grandchildren, who in turn gave us 20 great-grandchildren. We are so proud of them.

As the time nears, we will have to depart one another. I would rather see it happen by old age. But we have to accept the future. There is no sense in ending life sooner then expected.

I will lose my wife, Lisa, soon, because of something that should not have happened — smoking. If you are reading this letter and are smoking, please, please, stop. I know it is hard; it took me many years to see the light, but have been off those cancer sticks for more than 42 years.

I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and wear a breathing mask at night. Why? Secondhand smoke. I will never tell my wife that she was the cause of it. I told her it started 42 years ago. I don’t think that she believes me.

Don’t put loved ones with what I am going through. My gut is tearing me apart daily from the time I awake until the time I fall asleep, knowing that day is near. Soon I will be alone except for family and friends but they could never replace the very patriotic woman that I have loved and married and will lose.

With the tears running down my cheeks, I again plead to smokers, stop, think of your loved ones.

Larry Dearborn

Richmond

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