HE'S NOW PAYING THE PRICE

EDITOR: I am currently incarcerated at Washington County Detention Center
in Jonesborough.

While addicted to cocaine, I made some terrible mistakes and am now paying
the price. It is nobody's fault but mine.

To others out there struggling with alcoholism or drug abuse, listen up:
Stop making excuses as I did and find treatment as soon as possible. You
are on a dead-end road. Failure and disappointment are imminent with such
lifestyles.

I hope you can recognize these vices are temporary solutions and will never
help completely solve the problems life can sometimes throw our way. The
effects are demoralizing and will distort your most basic postulates and
make a mockery of your better judgment, self-respect and dignity. For
yourself, for those who love you, seek help now and regain control of your
life and aspirations. You are worth it.

I never before realized just how precious freedom is until it was taken
away. Being apart from my family is the hardest thing I have ever endured.
I've concluded it's simply a part of my punishment. I am mainly forced to
watch my kids grow up while experiencing the joys of childhood through a
series of photographs, and sometimes the pain becomes unbearable.

To anyone who believes people in jails or prisons have it too easy, think
again. Nevertheless, it is affecting me in such an unequivocally profound
way, which will change me forever. I will never take life for granted again.

To everyone: Try stepping away from the commercialism surrounding
Christmas, hold your loved ones, look them in the eyes and tell them just
how special they are to you. In doing so, you will simultaneously embrace
the true meaning of the holiday season as well as the meaning of life ...
family. Merry Christmas and God bless.

Kenneth Todd Good

Jonesborough