Bully for you for quitting! And my sympathies on the loss of Peter. It is weird to think he won't be in all of our living rooms anymore.

Okay, you made me cry too. Good for you for quitting smoking - Peter would be proud!

What a lovely tribute to a wonderful journalist. I'll miss him too. I'm just a few months further than you on the quitting and so far so good. You can do it too.

I hadn't been following Peter Jennings' illness, but as a fellow Canadian, I am so sorry to hear of his death.

Even though he's an ex-pat, we're collectively very proud of him. A wonderful man and a fantastic journalist with a great deal of integrity.

He'll leave some very big shoes to fill.

I'm very sorry for your loss. While I didn't share your deep love for him, I did like him a LOT and he was my favorite. AND certainly the most handsome!

It would make him smile to know that he had helped you to quit smoking. A happy and content smile just for you.

Hi babe. I quit last year and haven't regretted it at all. I replaced it with exercise and knitting, and it has been fine.

Still, good luck. It's work. Just think of Peter. Bless him.

xx

I didn’t even know that he smoked, or that he was Canadian, or that he was nearly 70 years old, a high school drop-out, married four times…or that you were in love with him. Why is it that we wait till someone dies to learn interesting things about them?

First - I'm so glad you quit again! As one former smoker to another, it's really hard, but so worth it. And better for the kitties.

Second - I cried, too. It happened so fast - I watched him announce his diagnosis, and he was so gracious and hopeful. And I know what you mean about him being your Princess Di - a lot of people don't know about his good works - I loved that he had bias, and you always knew what it was - it was on the side of kindness, and fairness, and doing good. I miss him too.

Yes, it is sad to lose him. Peter Jennings was a rock. It *is* hard to understand that he's gone.

On the quitting smoking side of things, I have been cold-turkey-done for one hundred and five days. I never thought I could do it. But one day it just seemed even dumber than ever. You can do it. Peter would be proud. (Funny, I started smoking the week following September 11. I think I held off as long as I could.)

And BTW, knitting for me was never an adequate replacement. Unless I stuck it in my mouth. So there.

Peter would be happy to know you are quitting as your testament to him. How do I know? I'm a Canadian guy too. Good luck.

I'm so sad as well. But yet I am so happy that his death has changed another smokers life. Good luck girl. And stay off the cancer sticks. We love you and don't want you to go.

May the goddess welcome and bless Peter. He did so much, in a charming, intelligent manner. I will admit that he was my favorite newscaster of all time (even more than Harry Reasoner, another stalwart, charming, truth-telling fellow). My tears are mingling with yours, although yours, I'm sure are more copious.

Insofar as smoking? I quit cold turkey the day before Thanksgiving in 1982. I got over the cravings sometime in the summer of 1998. It's a long, slow process, Purl. Be as strong as Peter and you'll get through it. Knitting and kitty stroking will help too.

Hugs.

CAP - you aren't that crazy. I wept like a baby when another great Canadian journalist, also named Peter, died a few years ago. My husband was driving me to work when I heard the sad news that Peter Gzowski (zoss-KEY) had died (he, like your Peter, also died as a result of Lung Cancer).

Peter Gzowski's gravelly voice on CBC radio had entertained my mother and I as we worked in her office during my university summer vacations. He always sounded like he was smiling. He was the reason I fell in love with CBC radio and he made me fiercely aware of my wonderful Canadian heritage.

He retired from radio broadcasting shortly after my mom died. I lost her voice and then I lost his. It was an awful year. When he died, I mourned the loss of his voice all over again.

So, I guess all of this is to say - I understand and it's definitely ok to cry. He was part of your world for a very long time. There was a big gasp of horror in my house early this morning when my husband and I learned of Peter Jennings death.

Good luck (or should I wish you "good willpower"?) in the smoke-free zone. Good thing about not smoking: MORE TIME TO KNIT. I know that both Peter J and Peter G would be proud of you!

Er, that was me. Stephanie VW = Minou's auntie

Laurie, that is a beautiful tribute! I feel my heart overflowing along with my tears. He was a terrific reporter and a lovely man. I will miss his voice bringing me news I felt I could trust, just as I still miss hearing Walter Cronkite.

I cried too... for you. You've lost so so so much and now this. LOVE from all of your IFFs.

Congrats on quitting! Dammit girl, you go! Kick some cancerous ass! When it gets rough (cause I've been there, 6 years ago) think about Peter, what he means to you and how those evil cancer sticks caused him to leave your world way before you were ready to let go of your love.

(CAP's IFFs.. I need some support too. Dieting is HARD! Going to the gym is Hard. Not drinkign is HARD! Send me love... please.)

Purl - you will quit - again - and it will all be worth it when! Good luck to you!

April

I'm so sorry for your loss...

...and so happy that you quit smoking.

Laurie,

That was a wonderful post. I will miss Peter Jennings too, for many of the same reasons...he was always a calm face and voice to focus on. I cannot believe he's gone.

Congratulations on quitting smoking. You will find lots of support here online and knitting is a great way to take your mind off of smoking and occupy your hands.

I don't have anything clever to say, just wanted to tell you how much I loved your post.

It's so Sad isn't it. He really was a great man.

*I KNEW the no-smoking was next (see previous post) Congrats Laurie and Good Luck!

Loved your post, Laurie. It was a beautiful tribute to a great man. I'm sorry he is gone too.

But with that being said, YAY you for quitting! I have been smoke free since last Thursday and have made it this far. You can do it too!

I am sorry for your loss. And I have to thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.

I'm sure he loved you, too, and would be very proud of your decision to stop smoking.

I know I am.

Oh, I'm so sad, too. When I found out he had lung cancer, I knew it wasn't going to be long. I lost one of my best friends to that damn cancer--and she only made it four months, too. It was so hard to lose her--she and I started teaching at the same time, but she was older and so amazing about everything. I still miss her. I hope he went easier than she did and wasn't in pain. It's a horrible way to die.

Thank you for quitting smoking. It's a wonderful, strong thing you're doing, and we'll all be here for when the cravings start or when you get really, really cranky. Of course, we might just lurk on those days. ;) We'll still be here for you, though. Blessings of strength and love.

During the first Gulf War, several of my coworkers and I became news junkies for the first time. We were all in our early twenties. So I developed this huge crush on Peter Jennings. I loved the way his Canadian accent would occasionally sneak in when he said "hoouse" or "aboout." I'm not trying to compete with your love, as I didn't remain steadfast in it as you did, and there are no photos of him on my desk. I'm just saying - I totally agree with you.

The form my love took was a little different. Mostly, my coworkers and I would bet about who would win in a three-way fist fight: Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings. Now, apparently, Tom Brokaw was some sort of fighter before, so the money was on him. But mine was on Peter, always.

Good luck in your smoking cessation. Peter would be proud.

What a lovely, touching post. I too was stunned and saddened by his death. So many people survive cancer these days that it just seems such a shock when someone dies from it...and when they do, they seem to go fast, as Peter did.

StephanieVW in Canada - Peter Gzowski is dead??? OMG. I need to keep up on Canadian news more (I'm a 10 yr ex-pat). I loved Peter Gzowski and am saddened to hear that we've lost him too, albeit a few years ago.

Sad to see him gone, but we all have the memories of his view on the world and unique way of conveying events to make us feel like we were there. Glad to hear you quit smoking as I won't have to give you grief about it any more. I quit back near the end of March/beginning of April and don't regret it a bit. There's been a few times I wanted to, but haven't gone back.

I'm glad you've stopped smoking too. It will be hard, and not get any easier for several years (I did it, quit when I was 30) but it is SO worth it in the long run.

I enjoyed Peter too. He had a nice voice and never let his politics seep into his reporting, and did allow his emotions to be there when appropriate. A good man.

You're a good woman too btw.

Uhmmm crunchy veggies help a little with the cravings for the ciggies...my gums itched when I was craving..and the crunchy stuff helped "scratch the itch", plus, kept my hands and mouth busy.

I imagine, that if Peter Jennings could have had one last wish, it would have been that he could have helped someone else avoid what he went through. Quitting is hard, but you've already done MUCH harder things this last year.

Congrats on quitting! I'm sure we'll hear about any difficulties/success as you battle nicotine withdrawal.

Poor Peter...sorry for your loss.

I started knitting around the same time I quit smoking and it was SO much easier than the other times I "quit." Just keep your needles handy.

RIP Peter.

Good for you on the quitting smoking! And there's no shame in having a long-time crush on PJ...he was a true journalist, and a wonderfully intelligent commentator on world events!

Hello Crazy Aunt Purl!

I love your relationship with PJ. I too am sad he is gone. Congrats on quitting the smokes too. I'm sure he *would* be proud.

On a more cheerful, yet perhaps quizzical note -- your post reminded me that I used to have a thing for Sam Donaldson.

I know, it is shocking -- but also true.

Maybe you should escape the states and move to Canada. That's what I did, and I haven't regretted it for a moment. I heart Canada. .

I miss him too. I loved him, perhaps just as much.

I'm proud of you, too, that you're making a change. Much love to you, Laurie!

I'm so sorry for you. Oh, and his family and everyone else of course. I'm glad it motivated you to quit smoking again though. I refuse to lose my sister in insanity to some silly ciggy. Time will heal this wound too. And you'll always have Iraq...

isn't it funny how perfect strangers can become such fixtures in our lives?

it is a lovely thing that he changed your life in this way, and i'm sure your lungs are thankful for it! i quit smoking lots of times, finally for good almost two years ago.

good luck, and feel better.

I have been in tears since I heard the news last night. There are very few "public" people that I ever felt like I'd like to get to know. Peter Jennings was definitely up there. The world is a lesser place with his passing.

Cancer is something no one should ever have to deal with. It's nasty and mean and doesn't play fair. If there's something, ANYTHING, you can do to better your odds, then DO IT.

I wish you well on your quest to stop smoking. It's a piece of cake for some and darn near impossible for others. Whenever you're feeling weak, just look at your comments and know that you've got a whole rooting section supporting you!

Wow. Baby, good luck with that stop. smoking. thing.

Peter Jennings ROCKED. He was the only reason why I'd watch the evening news. He was so REAL and un-plastic-like. I was very fond of him, and I'm sad to see him go.

Damn cigs.

I think one thing that people hope for in their lives is that they will inspire others to do good, for the world or for themselves. You're making Peter's legacy a little better by making this change for yourself and your health. It will be hard, I wish you the best of luck with it!

Finally! Another Peter lover. I LOVE Peter Jennings. Although maybe not quite like you. But how could anyone not love that man? He's seen me through all the horrible disasters since I was 14. He's always, always, alwasy been there. I don't quite know what to do with myself today. It's just so very sad. I keep welling up at work when I think about it. It's awful.

We all have our dream guy... and I am so happy you quit!! Keep up the good work!!

I loved Peter too. The othersalways seemed likt they were spouting bullchit.

YAY on the quitting smoking thing.

Katie Couric can no way replace him. Dan Rather, yes, but Peter Jennings, no.

Yeah, I think Peter would be proud of you. Hang in there!

Though not a huge fan, it is sad indeed. I know what you mean about "the look." I get the same one whenever I announce that Brian Dennehey is the sexiest man alive. I'm not kidding. I'm not.

Though not a huge fan, it is sad indeed. I know what you mean about "the look." I get the same one whenever I announce that Brian Dennehey is the sexiest man alive. I'm not kidding. I'm not.

Laurie- that was a touching memoram to a great man. Cheers to you quitting.

I'm a long-time reader, but first-time poster. My mom, who smoked for 50 years, has been battling lung cancer now for four months, including a bout with pneumonia that landed her on a ventilator in ICU. When we are young it is so easy to think that that will never be us. . . Kudos to you for being kind to the woman that you will be in 30 years. I wish you all of the best, and thanks for the moving post.

--Ingrid

Aunt Purl,

I gave a gasp this am on my way to work..Peter Jennings. Rest in Peace and thanks for the news.

At least your super secret crush was respectable...mine has was and always will be Senor Escalante ever since I saw Tequila Sunrise! shhh...don't out me.

My heart is with you in your time of need.

Laurie,
If any good can come from this tragedy, your decision to quit smoking would be it. Good luck. I quit 3 1/2 years ago. It is hard at first, but you can do it.

I always had a fondness for Peter Jennings. He just seemed so "sweet" to me. It's sad to hear that he's gone!

But I'm so proud of your for quitting smoking--I'm sure he'd be pleased. ;)

There are people who can reach us, and pull us in, even if we don't know them. We all need to be inspired, and it's great that there are still public figures that can earn your admiration. Good pick, always knew you had good taste.

Right now I'm so glad you are inspired to quit smoking. We lose too many good people too early, wouldn't want you to be one of them!

I am the 'other woman' in Peter's life. He came to me in a dream and I was deeply in love with him ever after. I too kept hoping I would see his sweet grin again on the screen and kept googling his name to see if he had died in the night and I had missed hearing. A good friend emailed me during the night last night and sent me his obituary.
His charm was so evident and so appealing. A very sad day and great big emptiness is in my heart.

Crazy Aunty Purl, you are such a sensitive soul. Peter would love that about you. I think he was like the Agent 007 of all the news anchors - so suave, so smooth, so urbane, so...so...Canadian. There will never be another.

I sort of quit smoking last week after a horredous trip out west. But have been bumming a few each day from friends. If you can quit, so can I.

Pictures of the cats, please? I need to know how they are taking the loss, too.

Peter will be so proud of you for quitting smoking. He's watching you now, babe. Gain your strength to quit from him.

It'll be a great tribute every year on this anniversary to be able to say "I stopped smoking X number of years ago on this day for Peter Jennings and my health." We are standing in support for you. You go girl!

It is so sad. I thought, too, that he would win the battle. I'm so sorry.

I know what you mean... I didn't have a framed pic or anything, but he seemed so, I dunno, *good*. And very cute. Also Canadian. Big plus in my book. I gasped when I saw it in the news online last night.
And GOOD FOR YOU for quitting smoking. My parents both died of lung cancer and it's not. fun. at. all. I've never smoked (mostly because my parent's smoking grossed me out/made me unable to breathe), but from my love affair with food I know it sucks to quit. But keep thinking of Peter and I'm sure you'll make it!

Honestly, I thought he was going to beat it too, I had no second thoughts about it, it was Peter Jennings the news guy, of course he would be cancer free in just a short bit after April - but then he never came back, and that hurt.

Did you see on ABC that over his birthday the news team sent a plane out with one of those big banners generally advertising beer or a show; saying "happy birthday"? It was recent.

I'm glad you quit smoking, I hope to do so as well. I don't even know what the hell I am waiting for..

Farewell, Peter...he was a lovely gentleman, wasn't he? He was always my favorite news anchor too; my computer-matched freshman-in-college roommate insisted on watching Tom Brokaw every night, and that's when I knew we would never be close friends.

Peter would be the first to tell you you're right to quit the cigs - he'll be smiling down on you. Jolly Ranchers were very helpful for me when I quit. I mean the candy, though a smiling fellow in a cowboy hat would have been very helpful as well, I'm sure. :)

Purl - Peter was my favorite anchor, too (although I quit watching the news during the OJ trial).

Very glad that he inspired you to quit smoking. We need you around. Your furry pals need you around. The SnB needs you around - who'll sniff the yarn if you don't?

:-)

Ya know, if for nothing else, hopefully his death will encourage even more people to quit for good. I know you can do it also. Mwah! from the East Coast...

I understand really I do. I was in love with Tom Brokaw all through high school. In fact, I sent a fan/love letter. Curiously, there was no reply. I am still waiting.....Tom won't let me down.

And good on you for quiting smoking!!!!

Well well well, i suppose that this is the famed Crazy Cat Woman, right? Its a groovy website Aunty. Just hope i can see my handsome pictures up here one Day. Oh yea i left a hospital blankie at your house, Enjoi!

My heart aches, I truely didn't know I cared so much. We always watched Peter in my house growing up as my father claimed (rightly) that he was the only reporter who understood that world wide news affects all of us here in the United States. I never thought that he wouldn't beat this, it never even occured to me that he wouldn't be back. I hope his family knows how important he was to all of us, how much he'll be missed. He was a great man.

Great tribute! And good for you for quitting smoking!!! We are all behind you 100%. And now your hands will always be free for knitting!!!

Wonderful tribute. I didn't realize until you said it , but he's pretty much explained the world to me. I thought he would beat this. Very sad day. Your decision to quit is a good one. Good luck with it all.

Once again, proof that we were seperated at birth. So very sad. I will always remember the goofy grin he had in the wee morning hours when ABC did the "turn of the millenium" all nighter - how he took the whole inane, Jerry Lewis telethonness of the night and encapsulated it into a facial expression that said, "Yes, I know this a big thing, but it's not really THAT big."
Rather and Brokaw couldn't have done it.

What a beautiful tribute. =) WTG on quitting smoking. It's hard but so worth it!

Now that all these men have read your blog, how will a normal woman like myself ever live up to you? A woman who loves Peter Jennings like that?

From now on, on every single blind date I go on, I fully expect to see my blind date staring mistily off into the distance at nothing, and I'll ask him what he's thinking about, and he'll say, "Oh...I was just thinking about Crazy Aunt Purl and her love for Peter Jennings, and how you will never love me like that and I might as well break it off now." And then he'll go on staring mistily. Because, of course, he's blind.

Oh how I know that newsguy thing. I've got it bad for Scott Simon, but Peter's a close second. I got all teary over the news this morning too. I was sure my husband thought I was nuts, but then I saw he was choked up too.
Peter got to us all....

I loved him too; but in a "dad you wish you'd had" sort of way. I always felt like no matter how insane the world got, as long as you could hear his voice and know he was on top of the situation, everything was gonna be okay.

My husband and I both bawled tonight when they showed his empty chair.

No one else should ever sit in that chair. Someone else can sit at the desk. But not in Peter's chair.

I crocheted him hats and sent them as soon as I heard he had to have chemo. I hope he got to see them.

good luck with the not smoking...I know that he'd be proud of you for giving it up.

*lighting a candle*

Dear auntie:

Peter was my hero. Great Post.

Love,
Undr(Sad)

PS congrats on the quitting.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You're right--it is so sad to see someone so special go. I have seen too many people die of lung cancer. It is such a tough, tough one to beat. I just thank God he lived the life he did. You wrote a very touching, meaningful tribute. I have a friend whose father died of lung cancer. That very day, he himself quit smoking, and never went back. You can do this.

Quitting smoking as a tribute... a great send-off. I'm sure he'd be pleased.

I love Tom Brokaw. Always will. I measure all men against him.

I also quit smoking last Monday. It's worth the horrible pain and agony of cravings not to have to die like that.

What a beautiful, beautiful post! In so many ways. Thanks.

After walking around London all day yesterday saying 'isn't it horrible, Peter Jennings is gone,' and having everyone say 'who?' ... this was nice to hear.

And as a journo, it's good to know that my ilk actually do some good once in a while.

Rock on.

I'm sad too. Great post. Hang in there with the quitting - after the first 3 weeks, it gets a lot easier. Peter would approve.
Hugs. You're doing a good thing, sweetie.

Great tribute! It really was a shock to hear on Monday morning. He was awesome--humble, handsome, smart--OF COURSE we loved him!

Congrats on quitting smoking. It is the most difficult thing in the world to do, as you know, and the cravings never *really* go away, which sucks. Just remember that you are doing something for yourself and be really selfish about that aspect, so you think of it as gaining something and not losing something--it seemed to make a difference for me.

Good for you! Gosh, I wish more people would quit smoking (especially my two sisters, two grandmas, and two aunts). My grandpa died of lung cancer, and it is painfully quick for the family. He hated going to the doctor, and by the time he went to one, it was too late. He died about a month later.
We will all miss Peter.........

The health thing and the tribute thing RE quitting smoking? Both good. The money saved for knitting thing completes the trinity of good reasons to quit. Good luck.

I watched the tribute to him last night on ABC and I can see why he was your first true love. What a great man. (I also thought of you while I was watching the tribute and that was weird. There I was, sitting on my couch and thinking about someone I don't know. Weird.)

Congrats on quitting! You can do it!

L-

Congrats on quitting.

PJ would be proud of you.

YOU GO GIRL! Stay strong! You can quit forever!

Mo

Wonderful post about Peter Jennings. Thank you for quitting. I wish you the best for what must be harder than I can ever imagine. This world needs people like you and Peter as long as possible! Take care, Tori

Hi.

Thank you, once again, for writing what you write. I watched a lot of tributes for Peter yesterday--- from major news networks to Entertainment Tonight-- but the one you have written feels the most honest and the most fitting one of all.

When I heard that Peter Jennings had lost his fight with cancer, I just felt numb. It was late at night. I tried to think of who to call, who should know at this late hour, who else out there will be grieving... and the answer, really, is all of us. We've lost someone really special, someone whose absence and impact will be felt for a very long time.

And you, with the quitting? Well, I hope that means we will all be keeping you a lot longer.

I'm so glad I am not the only one who was utterly crushed by the loss of Peter Jennings. I couldn't even blog it - no words would come to me.

Congrats and best of luck on the quitting!

Yay for the quitting!! I think it's a wonderful tribute. As someone who has not smoked a cigarette (even a cheated one) in over a year now, I can tell you this: it is fucking HARD, but you can do it. I found that lollipops and Jolly Ranchers helped sometimes. Also drinking.

Also, I didn't think about it until I read your post, but I also didn't become an actual full-time smoker until 9/11. So quitting = beating terrorism. Yay!

I felt the same way. He was one of the greats. I hate seeing anyone who has to die from smoking related illness. I gave up smoking too, Purl. If you want some more help (and you'll need it), be sure to peruse www.whyquit.com and if you want online support (besides all of us here) go to www.woofmang.com. It's a stop smoking support group. It's why I've been quit for 18 months now. It's a long hard road and worth every step. Congrats to you in your choice for freedom from nicotine!!

Glad you decided to quit smoking! I did so myself about 5-6 years ago, and did so cold turkey, no patch, no gum. If you ever need someone to help you through this, let me know!! I'll give you my tips and help you through it. I smoked over 20 years, and if I can quit, anyone can.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

If not for yourself, for the cats.

I was so gald to see your blog about Peter Jennings. I too loved him. I was seriously crushed and sad when I heard about it. My brother and I had a long discussion about how he made every major issue he talked about, bareable. His voice is imbedded in my head with every major event that happened. I can't imagine having something newsworthy happen and NOT have him tell me what's going on. Peter Jennings will be greatly missed.

I loved your farewell story
I also have a photo of him & loved him too - we lost a dear man.
Godspeed Peter

I loved your farewell story
I also have a photo of him & loved him too - we lost a dear man.
Godspeed Peter

Did you watch this evening's tribute to Peter Jennings on ABC? I also loved and respected him and cried...hard while watching tonight. I just wasn't ready for him to go. I don't know that anybody was.

yay for you i recently quit smoking to. the first three days are the hardest after that it is a cake walk. but i feel you on the loss of peter. when i was little i wanted to marry him. now i will have to settle for richard gere.

i'm sorry about peter. although not a big love of my life or anything (so you don't have to claw me) i was very sad when i heard he had died.

i'm very happy to hear that you quit smoking though. perhaps his greatest legacy will be to get a bunch of people to quit smoking.

I also cried!!

It is hard to lose someone who has always been such a rock in our lives, even if we never had the good luck to meet them face to face.

Good luck on the quitting, I have lost a total of 3 grandparents to lung cancer and applaud anyone who is willing to take on the hard work of not smoking.

That was such a lovely tribute, Purl. Good for you on quitting smoking.

lovely tribute -- I too mourned - such a loss. Fabulous that you are quitting smoking - he would be very happy to hear this.