She always looked so cool holding that cigarette.
Her voice was low and smoky, her clothes were chic on her slim frame and she was always so nice. To a kid, she was a role model. I was that kid. She was the wife of a first cousin of mine and I always liked hanging out with her.
Her kids were close to the same age as my sister and me, so we’d do fun things together too. But I’ll always remember how that cigarette some how complemented her total outfit.
Who knows how many packs she smoked a day? She was what they used to call a “chain” smoker. Back in her ‘day,’ smoking was very common. You smoked because you wanted to stay slim or maybe lose weight. It was a substitute for eating. You smoked because you wanted be a part of the crowd. You smoked because everyone else smoked. My gosh, even the airlines reserved the back of the plane for those who needed a smoke in flight.
We’ve learned a lot since then.
There will be a memorial service for my cousin this weekend. She was fortunate enough to live a long life before the lung cancer advanced and ultimately took her life. But it was a long and tough fight along the way.
Smoking….Uncool
November 12, 2015 @ 3:39 pm
Long ago, Bill Moyers did a PBS documentary series on addiction, and it was stated that smoking is harder to quit than heroin and I believe it when observing people trying to stop. So very sorry for your loss, Laurie.
November 13, 2015 @ 6:33 pm
Thank you Nan…This was an addiction, no doubt. She’ll always be ‘cool’ regardless.
L
November 12, 2015 @ 10:20 am
So sorry about your cousin Laurie. It’s amazing to look back and see the things that were promoted as cool when they were actually doing so much damage. It’s hard even in today’s informed world to know what is good or bad for us.
November 13, 2015 @ 6:34 pm
Thank you Kathie..thank goodness science has weighed-in on smoking.
L
November 12, 2015 @ 9:22 am
I’m sorry Laurie…
November 13, 2015 @ 6:35 pm
Thank you Laurie…she was the best.
L