Every year my daughters youth group (Rainbow for girls) has a family picnic. Last year I tried to dream up a reason why I can’t go, so I can stay home to smoke. Today I did not have to make up an excuse; I just got up to go, and so today I experienced a taste of freedom. Last year I had to worry where I would smoke, today I did no worries because I do not smoke, and again I experienced a taste of freedom. Last year I had to hide and smoke, today I didn’t have to hide because I don’t smoke and had time to socialize and got to know people, so again I experienced a taste of freedom. Last year I was too busy wishing it was time to go, today I found myself wishing I didn’t have to go, so again I experienced a taste of freedom. Last year I didn’t participate in any activities because I had to go smoke, this year I joined in the games and actually enjoying myself because I don’t smoke, again I experienced a taste of freedom. Last year I never tried to run and have fun because I worried about getting short of breath, today I chased kids with water balloons and got soaking wet, again I experienced a taste of freedom. Today I had fun in the sun, tonight taking care of sunburn. I was really excited today as this is my 2nd social event as a non-smoker and the Nico dude did not interfere, yes that is definitely a taste of freedom. AHHH!!! There is life beyond a cloud of smoke.
