Seeking consideration from smokers

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Seeking consideration from smokers

E-mail this article \ Print this article

I recently attended a service at a funeral home. As I approached the entrance, I noticed clouds. No, not St. Peter from above, but clouds of cigarette smoke. The entire entrance was crowded with smokers. I was furious as the smoke followed me into the viewing room. I approached a greeter and asked if I may make a suggestion.

I explained how offended I was and maybe a ‘‘Thank You for Not Smoking” sign could be posted at the entrance. Not that anyone couldn’t smoke, heaven forbid, but not at the entrance. She replied that it didn’t bother her. She would discuss it with her boss. I proceeded to politely educate her on the dangers of secondhand smoke.

I felt no respect was honored. It was more like being at a bar than a funeral home. She commented it would be offending to family and friends if they couldn’t smoke. Well, I’m a friend, and I’m offended and don’t smoke. And, she shared that she was a lung cancer survivor.

So I exited through not just a mere cloud of annoyance, but a serious cloudy health problem. We can now enjoy a meal without toxins, but have to walk through toxins to pay our last respects to our loved ones.

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) states there is no legal or moral right to smoke tobacco, anymore than there is to chew and spit tobacco or to burn incense in public.

Linda McStowe, Lanham