Hard habit to break

I can honestly say that I am blessed. I can not think of one single habit that rules my life. I don't feel the need to sneak away from work, or a wedding, or a ballgame, or anything to run and have a cigarette. I rack my brains trying to find something. Something I need every hour on the hour. So far, coming up empty. So I consider myself blessed!

I grew up around smokers. Many of my friends are smokers. I have nothing against them. I could NEVER marry a smoker. However, in today's times, I find it disturbing that there are so many smokers STILL out there.

With all the knowledge we have today about health problems stemming from that little cancer stick crutch. COPD, CHF, Emphysema, Cancer, Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Kidney failure leading to dialysis...the list is endless.

And for me, just as idiotic: the cost. I don't even know what it costs for a carton of cigarettes these days, but I've heard it could be just as much as filling your gas tank with gas (and we know how costly that can be!).

I guess it hits home because I have numerous family members suffering from collateral damage of smoking. My uncle down south used to and may still have to walk around with an oxygen tank.

An Aunt has incessant bronchitis, emphysema, coughing jags....

And Mom, well what is there to say. They took a pie slice of her lung...she has had pneumonia at least three times...she has COPD and CHF. And 1 and 1/2 years ago she was sentenced to dialysis for the rest of her life. What a horrible process to have to live through three times a week.

I don't blame Mom. That generation had NO idea. Their heroes on the big screen had a cigarette in their mouth constantly. The medical world had no clue what this beast would bring.

However, in today's society, when we have lost so many people to nicotine....when we DO know the effects of that awful habit, I would hope people would use their heads and their heart and their willpower a bit more aggressively to 'kick the habit.' To no avail.

It's amazing the difference. When you are constantly in the midst, you get used to it. When the smoking factor is gone, it's wonderful and extremely noticeable. Now, when someone in a 1 mile radius is smoking, oh you can tell! And it is very bothersome. I entered a room this morning where two men were smoking and my eyes immediately began to water and burn. I am a huge allergy sufferer BUT noticed that when the smoking factor is not there, my allergies are 50 to 70 percent better.

I saw a kid, and he was a punk kid, leaving the Indians' game the other day. Before he could even exit the ballpark, he had to light up. First of all, RUDE! Second of all this 15-year-old may not live to graduate college at this rate.

I am always amazed at how 'smokers' think they can break the rules. It says DO NOT SMOKE but that does not mean for ME! Just because I am not supposed to smoke at Progressive Field or Cleveland Browns Stadium, a bar/restaurant now, or a music venue, well I am absolved from that rule! How can someone believe they are above the law?

All I can do is pray that these uneducated youngsters (and oldsters) do not have to endure my Mother's nightmare........