Growing up here at the beach I often reminisce about the folks I used to see on a regular basis.  One memory that keeps coming up is of a  man named Magoogle.  This gentleman unfortunately was not enjoying the backside of his life as he was battling a disease of severe  alcoholism.   Most of the times our meetings consisted of a friendly nod or hello, but usually I would observe him from afar wondering where his life went wrong.

One crisp morning I had skated up to the beach to check the waves.  As I was heading back to my apartment, Magoogle stopped me in front of the Shell station.  I immediately assumed he was going to ask me for some money but to my total amazement he instead tried to shove a few dollars and some change into my hand.  He told me that I should go get some hot chocolate.  While in total shock I politely refused and thanked him for his kindness.  He insisted and went on tell me his story of the life he used to have.  The details of our conversation are as foggy as that particular morning but my vision of him is clear.  He died years later but I will never forget him as he is another colorful part of this small town…