I have never smoked, but...
my dear Mother was a heavy smoker for all her adult life, starting in college in the 40s.
I hated the way our house, cars, clothes smelled.
When I would remove the cover to the doorbell to wash the cover, and see the nicotine on the surrounding wallpaper, it made me sick.
And yes, my sister and I had many colds and upper respiratory issues. My nieces, who grew up in a non-smoking household had far healthier childhoods.
(I am usually pretty tolerant, but when I see children in a closed car with one or more smokers, I want to call Children's Services. I wish I was kidding when I say that. I really consider smoking around children to be a form of child abuse. I am far from happy about being so judgemental.)
My sister and I had pleaded and begged for her to stop,(anti-smoking indoctrination at school) until we were teenagers, and then we realized that she was hooked, and that if she stopped, it would be when she stopped.
Other people in her life begged her to quit, I remember one time when my Aunt Milly was on Mom's case, and I was there. I laid it out, gently, yet firmly for Aunt Milly (her brother's wife). I said that I would be delighted if Ma quit (this was in 1993), but that it would have to be on her time. That seemed to shut up Aunt Milly.
Mother did have health complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diminished lung capacity....could increase the list, but why?
She did stop, late in her life. In summer 1995, she had a major surgery, and had post-surgical complications that kept her in the hospital for nearly a month, sometimes barely conscious. The remainder of her life was smoke free (1922-2001).
The carpets, upholstery, and everything else stayed much cleaner, and we were (eventually) happier.
Oh, at times she would say that she wanted a cigarette, but I (gently, humourously) would say that I would break her arm!
Lawrence/Maytagbear
PS- I ain't no plaster saint. January 31 will be 25 years without a drink.
