On the 2nd May 1998 Forest Green Rovers beat Bath City to get promoted to the National League and I was reporting for my local paper at the match. After coming home I sat in front of my computer to write my match report and email it to their office.
The more I typed my report I started to get pains across my stomach. This pain increased until by the time I had completed my report, and emailed it in, I was doubled up over my desk. I managed to get into my car and drive to my local hospital.
I parked the car almost in the doorway and stumbled into the hospital and fell on the ground. Within a half hour I was in an ambulance being rushed to Gloucester Hospital full of painkillers, it was discovered that I had problems with my gallbladder and lots of gallstones. They calm it all down and I was home in a couple of days.
So where does this ashtray and the cigarette come in, well a month later I was in a private hospital with the surgeon that saw me in Gloucester Hospital. It was decided to remove my gallbladder and I spent 4 days in this lovely hospital.
I decided that if I couldn't smoke for 4 days that I might as well stop the habit. It wasn't easy but I have never smoked since that time in May 1998 and this was my very last cigarette that still sits in the ashtray in a glass cabinet, just as a reminder. Stupid I know but it was at least something I achieved.
That's a really impressive story Lady M. Very well done. It's definitely not stupid to keep the cigarette and ashtray. It's a constant reminder of your achievement. I sympathise with the gall bladder problem. I had the same pain ( it's not nice!) and the same surgery about 20 years ago.
I don't think it's silly at all. I think smoking it would be silly...
You know, I decided to pick up smoking when I turn 60. Now, I think THAT is silly...
I have done the same as you many moons ago Heather. It was so anti social smoking in a rural community I became ashamed of myself plus the worry of the repercussions of smoking was worse than the enjoyment. Saying that if I had a drink in front of me & a friend who smoked I could still have one & enjoy it & never want another for years. I had one about four years ago but never was tempted since ….In our day smoking was the norm…now that’s silly when you think about it!
What a story! I can empathize. I had gallbladder issues for years and finally had it taken out 3 years ago. It was such a relief to get back to normalcy after that. Anyways, great storytelling shot! And what a great accomplishment to not smoke for so many years!
January 17th, 2022
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You know, I decided to pick up smoking when I turn 60. Now, I think THAT is silly...