Dear Selfish Smoker

I realize you have been a smoker for probably 45+ years. I know how hard it can be to quit. I realize that when you heard your diagnoses, and that it was untreatable, you took the "why bother quitting now?" approach. I honestly can't say I would do any differently. However, when I went to pick you up at your house because you couldn't breathe, your daughter- also a long time smoker- was sick with worry watching you struggle. Your precious, 4 year old granddaughter wanted me to assure her that you were going to be just fine. I tell her we are going to check you out and help you breathe better. She understands this, but I still see the concern in her huge brown eyes. "I love you Paw-Paw" she says in her high-pitched voice. I do what I can to help you, but it won't change anything. You will light up another one as soon as you can breathe again. You are not mobile enough to step outside, and here, selfish smoker, is what makes me so angry. Not only are you subjecting your precious 4 year old granddaughter to your smoke (that has already yellowed your ceilings and permeated every stick of furniture you own, as well as the children's clothing and bedding), but that now innocent little brown eyes gets the pleasure of watching you die.