I just got through reading "The Three Brands." It really opened my eyes to what seems to be the truth. But, it goes deeper for me and, sad to say, brought no 'moment', but the reality that all is not what it seems.

I grew up in smoke filled apartments; mom alone smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day. Everywhere we went, people smoked -relatives, friends. There was smoking in theatres, restaurants - even teachers smoked in school, though in their lounges. Needless to say, I guess the reason I picked up my first cigarette was because it was what adults did. And, I became addicted. I've been smoking for 35 years.

I've tried to quit many times after I realized the consequences of smoking. But, I guess it was too late. I remember how irritated I got with the kids one time (they were under the age of 5) and saw how I was treating them. I couldn't treat them that way, so, I kept smoking, thinking it was better for them, emotionally, then to give them a complex. Without cigarettes I got cramps in my stomach, literally got sick to the point of nausea, vomiting, headaches and the jitters. How could I be a good mother like that?

Cigarettes killed my mother. But, neither of my grandmothers smoked or drank - yet, one died of a stroke and the other of liver disease. I prayed, people laid their hands on me, I've requested prayer during those early years, to no avail - for I had not the will power to quit on my own.

Now, all three of my children smoke - even after I was diagnosed with irreversible COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). We all know I will die from this and I still can't quit smoking. Even the doctors tell me quitting smoking now will only make my breathing slightly better.

I wonder if my addiction started from passive smoke. I've drummed it into my kids that smoking is highly addictive, that they shouldn't take that first cigarette - and they as children were pretty much brainwashed on the taboo's of smoking - warnings on cigarette labels, being taught the consequences of it in schools as well as home, etc. Yet, each and every one of them came home one day, smoking a cigarette.

"The Three Brands" was well written. It's an admirable style and a very persuasive piece that, hopefully, will bring to light the true values of life.

One good thing about my life was that I didn't let cigarettes spoil the value of mine. I am a Christian and raised all my children in a Christian atmosphere. For that I am thankful. I accept my fate and, hope, this helps break the chain of addiction that these three brands can cause.


~A MountainWings Original by Donna Wike, Virginia~

http://www.mountainwings.com/