Close to Home

Ever have a song that felt like it was written for you?  I have a few, mostly in the Country genre.  I love and hate this one at the same time.  It's message is clear and painfully true. "It's That's Why I'm Here" by Kenny Chesney. Here are the lyrics.

Well I ain't had nothin' to drink
I knew that's probably what you'd think
If I'd drop by this time of night
Remember way back when
I promised you I'd drop in
At one of those meetings down at the "Y"

They started talkin' about steps you take
Mistakes you make the hearts you break
And the price you pay
I almost walked away

You could hear a pin drop
When this old man
Stood up and said I'm gonna say it again
Like I do every week
For those who don't know me

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

This old boy stood up in the isle
Said he'd been livin' a life of denial
Then he cried, as he talked about wasted years
I couldn't believe what I heard
It was my life word for word
And all of the sudden, it was clear

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

I know for us it may be too late
But it would mean the world to me
If you were there when I stand to say

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

OOH, I've been there
That's why I'm here

Left:  Don Good (1945-1990)
Right: Ronnie Good (1966-1995)

I've been compelled to share more of my story here on this blog, so this is a start.  My dad was an alcoholic, he died of cirrhosis at the age of 45 when I was 14.  I resented him a long time for it.  Resentment; not to be confused with hatred or disrespect. 


I don't understand addiction.  I am a casualty of it's war.

2011 Fight for Air

Soon I will be joining more than thousands of others from around the country in this year’s Fight for Air Walks to raise money for the American Lung Association.  I am gathering donations and walking to help fight asthma, lung cancer {bitch.ass.whore}, COPD and dozens of other lung diseases. 

This walk is personal to me.  My Mom was taken from me due to Lung Cancer a short 8 months after diagnosis.  I do this walk because my Mom would be proud.  I do this because it make me happy to be a part of something that fights something I hate, cancer.  I do this because it's my way to honor My Mom's life. I do this so my kids can participate in something that connects them to their Maw Maw, since they never got the opportunity to meet her.

I am asking or your help.  By making a contribution on my behalf, you will be helping the American Lung Association provide community based education programs, fight for cleaner air standards and fund life-saving research. 

Asthma is the number one cause for school absenteeism and every day in this country at least 10 people die from an asthma attack, thus it is important that we provide disease management education to children when they are 8, 9 or 10 years old.  Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally and is woefully under funded when it comes to research, thus is essential that we generate the awareness needed to increase resources for advanced research projects.  The average age for American’s to start a smoking habit is 14, thus it is critical that we get into the elementary schools and teach children about the dangers of tobacco use early.

My goal is to raise $100 for our cause.  Please go to my personal web page and make a $5, $10 or $20 gift.  All gifts are fully tax deductible as The American Lung Association is a 501(c)3 organization and is in fact one of the most recognized nationally for proper management of the resources entrusted them since they began in 1904.  You will receive a notice in the mail from me thanking you for your gift which you can then use for your tax filing next year.  You may also make checks payable to The American Lung Association (my walk team) and mail them to our local office at 1950 Arlingate Lane, Columbus OH 43228.  Be sure to send a note telling them that the donation is to support my efforts for the Fight For Air Walk in Columbus.

Please take a deep breath….and be thankful that you can.  Millions of others suffer from lung disease daily and your support makes the every day act of breathing that much easier for many people. Together we can fight lung disease successfully!!!