Breaking up is hard to do.......

As I begin this new journey today I am breaking up with a friend I've had for nearly 30 years.  He has been both a good friend and a bad friend.  He has provided comfort through the hard times.  He has provided conversation starters in the awkward times.   In the beginning of our relationship I thought he was very cool.  Not so much anymore, the days of him looking cool have slowly died away.  I met him through my grandmother.  She had quite a fondness for him too.  Our mutual admiration of him made she and I that much closer.  My grandfather thought she had given him up but I would bring him around to see her when she asked for him.  I came to realize he wasn't good for me.  This realization came several years ago when I realized that I didn't want the preacher to see me with him.  I broke up with him then.  We stayed apart for 3 years, 4 months and 30 days.  I let him back in my life when my nephew died.  He was there for me and provided me comfort through the night.  I thought I would just keep him around until I got through Jax's death but here it is 3 years and 22 days later and he's still with me every day.  He is not good for me though and we must part ways.  He stinks.  He does not respect my health.  He is not a good example to my son or my nieces and nephews.  So, today is the day.  A new day, a new journey, a new life.  A lifegiving life rather than a lifetaking life.  So long Marlboro.  Breaking up is hard to do but I know with God's strength I can do it and this time you won't be let back in.