Matthew Perry left his mark
Sunday I was feeling ornery. Upon waking, I usually lie in bed meditating and then think of at least five things I'm grateful for. Instead, I jumped out of bed, got dressed and ran out the door. I had to get downtown in a hurry. No time for gratitude. An hour later I got a text to record an emergency voiceover job. I would have to turn around to get back to my booth. I was grumbling on the 405 when I swerved to avoid bags of bread lying in the middle of the road. The car behind me kept his hand on the horn. As he passed me, he honked again. I flipped him the bird. What was wrong? Why was I irritated? Then it hit me: Matthew Perry.
"The key to sitcom success is miserable people. If you see a happy couple, it's just gone, like when Sam and Diane got together on Cheers. " - Matthew Perry
I was working in Colombia in the 90's so I missed the 'Friends' mania. I didn't understand the fascination.They showed reruns when I first arrived in Miami but I always managed to miss them. Who had the patience to get through such a long series about nothing? People would mention scenes to me and quote the show. I stared blankly. I didn't get it. Then the pandemic happened. I figured it was time to plough through the series since I seemed to be the only one in America who hadn't watched 'Friends.' From the first few minutes, I was hooked. I didn't want to get through it quickly so I would force myself to only watch one episode a night. it was like those six people on the screen were my friends; they kept me sane. I could laugh and cry with them, especially because I couldn't go anywhere. There were so many funny, poignant moments. I didn't want the series to end. I loved Matthew Perry's character. Chandler was so cute and endearing in his awkwardness; he was the kind of guy you'd want as a friend forever.
I got off the highway. At the stoplight, there was a tall guy wearing a bandana with a sign 'Plz Help.' I knew I had a twenty dollar bill but I did the pantomime of looking for my wallet, opening and making a face of not finding anything. As the light turned green and I passed him, I realized what an asshole I was being. And then I thought, what would Matthew Perry do? I've read story after story of his kindness, his willingness to help others. I went to Gelson's up the street, got change, and doubled back on the highway so I could get to the exit ramp. I handed the guy on the corner five dollars. He looked straight at me and said, "Thank you ma'am." My eyes stung. Driving back around had been worth it.
Yesterday, I let cars on the highway get in front of me. I waited for a couple to cross the street even though I had the right of way. They smiled as I waved them on. For me, the most valuable moments of the day are when I realize that, no matter how badly I've screwed up, I have the opportunity to begin again, to set myself back on the path. Thanks for reminding me what's important, Matthew.
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