I made the mistake of taking my shirt off in public once.

Three people suffered temporary blindness, one person fainted, two passed out from laughter, and four others had nightmares for six months.

Why? I have a big pot belly, a chest some women would envy, scraggly hairs all over the place and various lumps and scars.

What brings on this admission of grossness? I should be able to take off my shirt any time, any where, because that is one of my personal freedoms. If people can’t handle it, then they can leave the restaurant or wedding chapel because I am exercising my freedom.

It’s the same with my toes. They are truly beauties. I should clip my nails more often, so if you see me sock less in a restaurant, don’t be upset. I am exercising my personal freedom.

Rest assured, I won’t do any of that.  

Why? Because I respect people. I care for people. And I realize that my freedom ends when it starts to negatively impact others.

That’s why I wear a mask in public. I don’t like it. My glasses steam up.  The masks are hot and uncomfortable.

I believe scientists and doctors when they say wearing  a mask and maintaining  a safe personal distance are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

I am in a high risk group: Overweight, heart issues, a wife with a weakened immune system.

Someone exercising their personal freedom around me could literally kill me or my wife.

I won’t be that type of person.

If you are a business owner not enforcing the mask rule, please post a notice on your doors so I know to shop elsewhere. Truthfully, whatever you are selling is not worth the risk.

A final plea:  Be nice to the people who ask you to wear a mask. They are doing their job. Don’t try to bully them to get your way.  Many of them are young…don’t take advantage of them

And when you get to the lilacs along 20th Street, take a second to pull that mask down and take in their amazing aroma. Just don’t do it with anyone else around.

Terry Dickow may be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com.