Comments on: Happy Birthday, Captain Tom

By: JP

JP — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:35:15 +0000

Captain Tom, first congratulations on kicking the habit and most certainly happy birthday and many more. One other thing that you should be immensely proud of (and I can tell you are) is the fantastic daughter(s) you have (Two Urban ladies, watch out!). Melissa is one of the most impressive people I have the pleasure of interacting with, if only virtually and periodically. Through her, I have been introduced to a path and way of thinking that has been sorely lacking in my life and in the lives of many others. Between her and Dallas, there is an incredible opportunity to save thousands of lives both directly and indirectly and unless I am overstating it, you are a driver in all of this as well by raising some very special people. So cheers, and well done. The circle is now complete, and its time for another go around.

By: CaptainTom

CaptainTom — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:35:54 +0000

Melissa said, “Dad, I won’t even talk to you until you quit smoking.” Tough love is still love and sometimes a dope slap is more loving than a kiss. Besides, when have you ever seen Melissa mince words?

Lil’ Urban said “efforts to quit smoking seemed to trigger an openness to all sorts of other conversations – about overall health and wellness, food and nutrition, exercise and rest.”

Eliminating any habit leaves a hole that will be filled, one way or another. Stopping smoking (or eliminating a whole food group) leaves a BIG hole. It also leaves TWO problems to wrestle with. What you eliminated (and wants to come back) and what will take its place. And make no mistake; something will take its place!

Conversations (and acting on them) fill the hole. It’s support. It helps with motivation and reinforcement. It keeps pressure on to stay focused. There is that tub of B&J Chunky Monkey that would be more than happy to step up instead.

By: Graham and Lorraine

Graham and Lorraine — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:09:33 +0000

Happy Birthday Captain Tom.
My dad stopped smoking 35 years ago, after 40 years when I was 15. On his passing a few years ago, not related to smoking we found letters that my mum had kept under a drawer liner from my myself, and my younger brothers and sister that we had written saying how much we loved him and we wanted him to stop.
You are lucky to have such a loving family and we all support your determination and willpower in your fight to take complete control. Take all the advice you can from Melissa and I’m sure your family will have a long time to share health and happiness together.

By: Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan

Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:30:05 +0000

Congratulations, Captain Tom — and a very, VERY happy birthday! I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you some day. Anyone who can make a daughter as wonderful as Ms. Melissa has got to be a pretty terrific person.

My dad’s name is Tom, too. I love daydreaming about the two Toms and the two Melissas getting together for some kind of caper.

By: Sally

Sally — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Wow- Captain…you are truly an inspiration!!! Here’s to many, many more years of living! Happy Birthday!!!

By: CaptainTom

CaptainTom — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:26:59 +0000

I had no idea that my two daughters would write so personally to me and about us in the blog. That they care is the greatest reward for a Dad. That they are proud enough to brag on our relationship is the best Birthday present I could have.

I’ve been “outed” here and I feel more responsibility to continue succeeding. This is a good thing now. It helps. I don’t want to wrestle this demon ever again.

Thanks to all of you in the Whole9 family for your kind words, thoughts and encouragement.

By: Claudia

Claudia — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:50:12 +0000

Thank you for that post, being almost 3 weeks into the Whole 9 program and dealing with major cravings, I am inspired by your tenacity and “once and for allness” to quit, I am still in the process of trying to cut myself some slack when I give in, but the next time I think about giving in, I will definitely be thinking of Captain Tom and his ability to stop, Happy Birthday to you!

Claudia

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:04:21 +0000

Absolutely! Congrats, Captain Tom, on reclaiming your freedom. And Happy Birthday!

My father was a 30-year-smoker, too, and tried many times to quit, but never did… until my first daughter (his first grand-daughter) was born, and he had a heart attack—and triple bypass surgery—a few months after. The heart attack was a wake-up call, but his motivation to live was to see his grand-daughter grow up. Just goes to show you, fear will only take you so far, but love can take you all the way.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:46:49 +0000

This is a pretty inspiring post! Happy Birthday Mr.Urban! Thanks for convincing me to put down the cake!!

By: Wade Smith

Wade Smith — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:30:15 +0000

That’s really cool, Melissa. Great.