The Good Life

Welcome the very first edition of “The Good Life”. This will more than likely be a weekend thing, but Friday is close enough in my book. I take the name “The Good Life” from the name of a cigar store that used to be on Hwy 92 in Roswell, Ga. The shop is no longer there and has been sold but my memories of that place and that time are still strong, and the people I met there taught me much about what it is to live to the fullest and enjoy the good things in life. I dedicate this post to the Nunez’ family. Wayne and Jane Nunez’ owned and ran “The Good Life Smoke Shop” and were always kind and welcoming to all. For about two years Whit and I and a few of our friends would gather there on Friday and sometimes Saturday nights to hang out, play darts, drink some tasty adult beverages, and of course, smoke great cigars. We had a usual cast of characters (about 12 or so) that would show up for the dart tournaments and you couldn’t ask for a better bunch of hooligans to hang out with. People from all walks would show up and spend a few hours forgetting their hectic week at work, and would share stories and jokes. There was always a lot of laughter there, and it always felt like home.

About two and a half years ago Jane was diagnosed with cancer. She fought valiantly for a little less than two and a half years, always smiling, chin up and sweet as she could be. Last November she succumbed to the cancer. The shop moved to a smaller building up in Midway and finally was sold to a good friend of Wayne’s, who also happens to be one of the original Friday night crew. I think it only fitting that this column be in honor of someone who lived life without fear, even after she got cancer.

The subsequent “Good Life” columns won’t be quite as sober as this one, but I wish for anyone reading this to remember that life is short and unpredictable, and they should always seek to live it well.

As it’s Friday and two days of freedom are looming off the bow, I suggest you each sidle up to your favorite tasty beverage and breath deep the free air.

Cheers,