As many of you know I have Stage II COPD/Emphysema.
Yesterday I came home from work with back pack and bags in my hand. As I get to the bottom of my apartment stairs, there, right at the top (3rd floor) is a young Lady smoking away and on her cell phone sitting on the stairs. Legally, she has a right to do this. For me, there's a problem! I have to cross this smoke cloud to get to my apartment! No other way in! So I fortify my will and trudge up the stairs! Now, I've been quit for 3 years plus so there's absolutely nothing tempting about this smoke to me! It's like driving behind a deisel truck that's well overdue for a tune up! But before I even reach second landing, I'm coughing uncontrollably and so short of breath that I have to slow down! As I hack and choke my way up, the lady looks at me like, ???what??? So I get to my door way and I can't breathe and can't quit coughing and I'm shaken so bad that I drop my keys - delaying my escape from this smoke hell! Finally, I get the door open, drop my bags, and, Father forgive me, slam the door shut to get away! Do I think that woman will make a healthier choice because of what she just witnessed? NO! She. like all addicts, will pretend that I was exaggerating to make a political point!
Believe me, there's nothing political about breathing!
