About a year ago I posted a blog about an experience that made me laugh so hard I actually threw up.
The experience itself is now moving in on two decades old.
I met my friend Matt while working in a tobacco shop in my home town of Springfield, MO.
At our buddy Josh's wedding in NY. Oh how not sober we were in this picture. Notice also the hair/no hair difference.
We became good friends fast and soon became roommates as well. Our apartment on the south side of Springfield was affectionately referred to as the den of sin. Why? Because we smoked, drank and played poker every Wednesday night. Growing up Southern Baptist I was hitting the trifecta of DO NOTS!
Matt and I would spend hours watching films or trying to write our own.
This was at our other friend Josh's house for one of our holiday gatherings. I love these guys. Notice the change in bald to hair situation.
We'd go out to a local piano bar with other friends including his now wife of umpteen years. She's also a dear friend of mine but this post isn't about her. She'll have to wait her turn.
As for Matt. Here's the thing. He's hard to explain. There's this combination of irreverent humor mixed with an absolute devotion to the divine. He can make a statement that could easily be construed as sexist or prejudice as the words are coming from his mouth only to leave the hearer guessing until the end to see the brilliant irony of his words.
Matt joined the cast of Listen to your mother a year or so back. Knowing his mother and his writing style it's no wonder the others in the room are laughing.
Matt will sit in a room almost completely silent for an entire evening. Then, at the exact time needed he will interject with a single line of dialogue that slays the room with laughter.
Sometimes when I'm with him I find myself watching to see if and how the wheels are turning.
I'm the exact opposite. I throw every thought out on the proverbial wall to see if anything sticks. I let my mind travel as whatever speed it needs to and without censor I let the jokes fly. Sometimes it works in my favor. Most times it does not.
Beyond his wisdom with timing in a room and his ability to dance on lines of inappropriate humor with social undertones spotlighting what is wrong with the world he is also a deeply compassionate and caring man.
One of the most caring I've ever met.
Matt would stop just about anything for me. Over the last year I have made a big change in my life and it was in part because of the story Matt had told me about his own journey.
He has been a shepherd and a guide for me as I navigate the world in a new perspective. All the time he champions my efforts and keeps it real for me to see it my way.
I love Matt Reed more than many people in this planet and for this reason I give #thisiscrazylove2016 to him today.