In memory of Harry Z.

My grandfather passed away from a heart attack when I was only 5 years old. I have fond memories of my grandfather ... but only a few, due to him passing away so early. My mom tells me he loved spending time with me and my siblings, and especially enjoyed taking us to the park and throwing balls. He loved having grandkids, she told me, and would have been a great grandfather as we got older (if he'd been around).

Grandpa, or poppy as we called him, had been a lifelong smoker, smoking Camels. I started smoking in college, and a few years later, as I went to smoke a Camel myself (my cigarette of choice), I had a realization. I realized I was on the same path as my grandfather, I decided to change course and quit. I wanted to have a long life, not cut short by what prevented me from spending more time with the man who has always been described so lovingly by my family.

His wife (we call her Bubbie) became the matriarch of the family, and helped knit together the rest of our family so that we're all incredibly close today. She's an inspiration to us all, sometimes defying conventional social conventions and leading the life that she wants to live. (That picture is her at 86 years old, as she took her first motorcycle ride with me).

My grandparents taught me the value of cherishing every moment we have on this planet. We each owe it to ourselves, as well as to our loved ones, to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy having the time to get to know our grandparents... and as well, some day, our grandchildren. I was a part of the team that helped build this website, and as I worked on it I was inspired by the hope that it will help people to realize the importance of quitting smoking, both for themselves, and for their families as well.