Beginning a new chapter in my life

I have been closer to my brother than I have been in years due to his recent illness.  He's recently had two strokes.  His first was at the end of November and his second was two Tuesdays ago.  The first was a relatively small one.  He regained control over his left side while he was still being seen by the ER personnel.  This second one, was much worse.  He had to have a procedure done to pull the actual clot out of his brain, it was much larger than the last.  This time his right side was affected and he is still having issues with speaking and the strength in his right side is less than his left.  I'm saying this because his illness has made me realize that I need to live more in the moment, love those around me ,by showing them that I do, by being there when they need me.  And to also just know that this life I have, and you have been given is precious.
Lately I've been bouncing the idea around about stopping smoking.  A part of what was explained to us of the why's of his first stroke was due to lifestyle choices (drinking and smoking).  I no longer drink and I am planning to stop smoking on Sunday.  I really want to have control over this aspect of my life so the best I could come up with is to stop when I want to but also when I need to.  This weekend will be the beginning for many new things and not just for me.  They have moved my brother up to the 6th floor which is for rehabilitation.  This is fantastic.  He's seems more of himself and tonight when I was with him he seemed more relaxed as well.  He so desperately wants to go home and be with his family..  I figure he has some challenges to face and I should be as much of a supporter as I can.  And what better way to support someone by experiencing some of the things that they have experienced.  He didn't have a choice to quit.  It was either quit or his health would suffer more.  I do have a choice and chose to learn from him.  I have a lot of faith that I'll be able to do so with the support of family and friends.