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Reese Witherspoon, portraying a flawless life alongside actor Ryan Phillippe, concealed a troubling secret for years. However, Jennifer Aniston played a pivotal role in unveiling this hidden truth, shedding light on Witherspoon's undisclosed struggles.
Brandon Qualls uses a wheelchair to get around. The hand-push model he had been using for years was becoming a pain for the Caddo Hills High School senior. “My arms would get really tired,” Brandon told News9 TV. Always There for Each OtherHowever, Brandon’s struggles didn’t go unnoticed by his friend Tanner Wilson. Tanner spent two years of savings (from working part-time at a car mechanic shop) to buy Brandon an electric wheelchair and surprised him with it in front of his classmates.“They came in and my face just blew up,” Brandon told News9. “I was just crying everywhere. I was like, ‘Wow I can’t believe he did that for me.’"“It’s been my dream to just have one of these,” Brandon added. “And my dream came true.”Watching the friends, it’s obvious how tight they are.He’s just been a really good friend and I wanted to do him a favor. I just felt like I needed to do it. … Brandon, he’s just always been there for me.Tanner Wilson to CNNDeserving RecognitionColleen Carmack, Tanner’s mom, told CNN he has been uplifted by all the media attention and smiles when he reads messages people have posted online about his good deed. She says the boys have been friends for years and that she’s proud of them.“They both deserve the attention because they’re both great and wonderful kids,” she said.But she says she’s not at all surprised.That’s him. He’s always been about everybody else and not himself.Colleen Carmack to CNNShe said Tanner has “had some bad experiences over the last year, so him being able to help somebody else has really brought him out -- being able to know that he made a difference. And I can see a difference in him -- like wanting to get out and do more. We’re talking about college. He’s had that goal, but he’s talking about it more now.”True FriendshipGinger Wray, one of Brandon’s teachers, contributed to the surprise by tricking out the chair with orange flames on the fenders and his last name on the back.“It’s awesome,” Brandon told News9, adding that he’s still getting used to driving his new wheels. “I may hit a few doors, but it’s worth it.”Tanner said he wishes “people would care more about others, than just themselves.” Well, his enormous act of kindness is setting a good example. More from Goalcast:Woman Tragically Loses Her Grandson in Accident – But His Friends Start Showing Up at Her House Every Week for Breakfast93-Year-Old Sneaks Out of Retirement Home and Hitches a Ride With Stranger – All for His GirlfriendBullied Little Boy Begs Neighbors to Help Him Find Friends – Looking At His Plight, They Raise $40K for Him
They say it takes a village to raise children. But sometimes, that village can be made up of unexpected allies. That’s the lesson one mother learned when she found out that her kids had been misbehaving at the movies and completely ruined the experience for one family going through a rough time.A Night Out Turned SourA few years ago in Birmingham, Alabama, a mom named Rebecca Boyd was having a rough week. Her husband had just been laid off, and she knew finances were going to be tight for a while. So, she decided to treat her 12-year-old daughter, Ashley, to a movie. It was going to be the last treat for a while, and she wanted to enjoy some time with her kid.Unfortunately, when they settled in their seats, things took a sour twist. Two teenage girls sat behind them, giggling, talking loudly, and even kicking their seats.“At one point, I turned around and told them that we paid for the movie just like they did,” Boyd told Yahoo Parenting. “They just giggled at me and continued with the same behavior.”Needless to say, the night out at the movies wasn’t exactly what Boyd had wanted for her daughter during their last outing for a while, and she was extremely disappointed.Confronting the GirlsAfter the movie wrapped, Boyd sent her daughter to the car and decided to do something about the situation. She confronted the teens and told them just how much their behavior had affected her and her daughter.“I told them they needed to realize that their behavior affects others and they never know what other people around them are going through,” she recalled. “For instance, my husband was just laid off from his job, and this would be the last movie I could take my daughter to for a while, and they had ruined that.”With that, Boyd met her daughter, and the pair went home to go about their lives.Tracking Down a StrangerBoyd may have accepted the situation for what it was, but someone else was furious about it: the girls’ mom, Kyesha Smith Wood. The girls had been at the movies with their brother, and he promptly told his mother what had transpired when they returned home.Wood was angry at her daughters and wanted to do something to help make up for their behavior. So she went on Facebook and shared a post asking for help in finding Boyd. “If you are this woman, please message me,” she wrote. “I can assure you that these girls are being strongly dealt with and appropriately punished. This rude, disrespectful, and awful behavior is unacceptable, and they owe you an apology,” she continued.“My husband and I are having them write your apology letter tonight, and we would like to pay for your next movie and snacks out of their allowance. Please message me if this is you. I apologize profusely for their disrespect.”A Chance to Make Things RightThe post began circulating on social media, and before long, Boyd saw it. She reached out, and the two moms connected.“I was very touched that Kyesha was not offended that I approached her girls,” Boyd said. “Her kind letter brought tears to my eyes.”As for Wood, she was grateful that somebody stood up to her daughters and reprimanded their actions when no one else would.“I thanked her for correcting my girls in my absence and letting them know that they were wrong,” Wood added to AL.com. “A lot of times, people get nervous about saying something to a stranger’s kids. But it takes a village to raise our kids. We as a community need to hear this, that there are parents out there who still believe in old-fashioned methods.”It Really Does Take a VillagePart of the reason this story resonated with so many people may be because it’s a valuable example of parents helping other parents out. Boyd could have blamed the teens' parents for their actions or chosen not to forgive. And Wood could have taken Boyd’s words the wrong way and confronted her for it.Instead, both women showed up for each other as mothers who are just trying their best to raise decent humans. It’s a nice reminder that, no matter what your parenting style, we’re all in this together. Supporting one another is key to making it all work and to helping parents everywhere feel less alone in their journeys.More from Goalcast:Manager Approaches Mom After Customers Complain About Her Child – He Pays for Their Meal After She Asks Him This QuestionBullies Call Mom A “Whale” In Front Of Everyone – Her Reaction Takes Them By SurpriseRude Man Asks Mom to “Shut Her Baby Up” – She Can’t Believe When His Own Dad Teaches Him a Lesson in Public
In the heart of Fort Smith, Arkansas, a chance encounter at Target turned a routine shopping trip into a poignant moment of connection and compassion.Colby and Alyssa Hacker, accompanied by their friendly 18-month-old son, Owen, were perusing the toy aisle when Owen, in his innocent exuberance, couldn't resist greeting everyone with his cheerful "hi" and "bye." His infectious friendliness caught the attention of an elderly gentleman in the same aisle.What an Elderly Man Gave a Toddler at TargetPhoto by Ann HUnfazed by the stranger's approach, Alyssa observed as the man warmly reciprocated Owen's greetings, creating an impromptu bond over a shared fascination with three stuffed dinosaurs. In a world where caution often prevails, Alyssa felt an inexplicable sense of ease, a feeling she attributes to divine intervention.Unexpectedly, the gentleman reached into his wallet, and Alyssa anticipated a small contribution for one of the dinosaurs. However, what transpired was beyond her expectations. A $20 bill found its way into Owen's tiny pocket, accompanied by a heart-wrenching revelation – the man had recently lost his 2-year-old grandson."Buy this boy all three dinosaurs," the man gently insisted, leaving Alyssa and Owen with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. As he walked away, tears welled up in his eyes, carrying the weight of grief that no words could fully convey.Alyssa felt compelled to share this touching encounter on Facebook, not just as a testament to the enduring goodness in people but also as a balm for the collective wounds of a tumultuous world. Little did she know that her post would resonate so deeply, quickly amassing over 105,000 shares in a matter of days.The Profound Encounter One Family Had With an Elderly StrangerFor Alyssa, Owen is a daily blessing, and she hopes his radiant spirit can continue to illuminate the lives of others. The $20, originally meant for a single dinosaur, now symbolizes more than just a purchase – it stands as a tangible reminder of human connection, compassion, and the enduring impact of brief yet profound encounters.In Owen's cherished stuffed dinosaurs, the family holds not just toys but tangible memories of a moment that touched their lives in ways they could never have anticipated.As we navigate a world often overshadowed by uncertainty, Owen's story serves as a beacon, reminding us that amid the chaos, there are still instances of pure, unscripted kindness that can make a lasting imprint on our hearts.More from Goalcast:Woman Finds Worn Out Paper She Can’t Understand – Turns to an Unlikely Source to Decipher a Piece of Family HistoryMen Play Cruel Prank on 8-Year-Old at Target – Little Did He Know There Was Much More to ComeWoman Buys Book at Target – Finds a Life-Changing Letter That Sparks an Idea
When Vaughn Preston first met his favourite gas station attendant Tony Antonio, Vaughn was feeling sick and Tony was able to make him laugh in minutes. Ever since then, Vaughn would look out for Tony whenever his family visited that Caltex Gas Station near their home in Gillitts, South Africa.“Tony always takes the time to talk to Vaughn about the various bikes we haul to Giba and back and listens so obligingly to him as he chatters away,” Vaughn’s mother Mandy wrote on Facebook.The friendship continued for two months before Tony asked Vaughn and his family to look out for a reasonably priced bicycle for Tony to purchase for himself. Vaughn promised to find him one.Help Was on Its WayNot only did Vaughn plan to find Tony a bike, but he also planned to buy it for him. He went around the house collecting silver money for an alleged "holiday."“One night he came to me and asked if I really wanted a holiday and upon asking why he said he would rather put his savings towards helping Tony get his bike,” wrote Mandy. “And so today, we cracked open the piggy bank and took all the silvers to Game where he bought his friend a bicycle.”After purchasing the present, Vaughn drove it over to the gas station to show it to his friend. Shocked and smiling, Tony accepted the gift.Our children make us proud on so many occasions but today my heart and his is so full of the joy at the kind man’s face as he, rather stunned accepted his gift from this 10-year-old boy.MandySharing the KindnessVaughn and Tony posed for a photo together, which Mandy posted onto her Facebook along with the story behind it. The post was liked by 10,000 people, though Vaughn wasn’t one of them since he was too young to have a Facebook account.“It will be years until your mom allows you on Facebook but when you do see this post, know that today of all your days on this planet so far my heart is the fullest and most proud of you it’s ever been,” wrote Mandy. Keep being kind, and generous, with your time and money and remember bringing joy to others can bring just as much joy to yourself.MandyThough Vaughn didn’t see the post, Game, the store where Vaughn bought the bike, did. Game wanted a piece of the kindness and decided to give Tony and Vaughn vouchers the same value as the new bike.“Above all things I regard kindness of heart, and over the years I’ve tried to live like that and teach my child to do the same,” wrote Mandy.Like Riding a BikeVaughn didn’t allow his young age to get in the way of helping a friend. He used his selflessness and piggy bank coins to make the world a better place. His act of kindness is an inspiration to all. Tony made Vaughn laugh when he felt sick, and Vaughn passed that smile right back to Tony with a bicycle.More from Goalcast:Woman Learns Her Exhausted Co-worker Bikes Three Hours to Work – So She and Her Husband Come Up With a PlanStrangers Notice Uber Eats Delivery Driver With a Little Boy on His Bike – The Reason Why Has Everyone Praising HimWoman Buys 3-Year-Old a New Bike After She Finds Out His Was Stolen – Only Later Does Everyone Find Out Her Real Story
On Oct. 28th, 2023 — Matthew Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his home in the Pacific Palisades, it was reported he sent his assistant out on an errand, and when she returned she discovered Perry face down in his hot tub. Though it is reported, there were no drugs were found on scene and there was no indication of foul play. The actor, known for his role as funny man Chandler Bing on Friends, was vocal in the media about his long battle with addiction.Sometimes there's a common misconception that addiction is a choice. That someone who struggles with alcoholism or relapses isn't "working hard enough" or doesn't "want it bad enough". In the case of Matthew Perry, who spent over $9 Million dollars of his Friends' fortune in-and-out of recovery, trying to be well, these judgements beg the question, "well then what does working hard enough look like"? It doesn't look the same for everyone. To steal a phrase from the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) recovery isn't a line you cross, it's a journey you take, and it looks different for everyone. In his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022), Perry didn't just pull back the curtain on his high-profile romances and his anticipated behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Friends— he also explored his battle with addiction, or as he calls it in his title, "the big terrible thing". That is, in a nutshell, addiction. The big terrible thing that lords over the addict's life like an unforgiving God...it's hard to imagine someone would choose that pain.His Father Abandoned Him As A Baby To Become An ActorIn a heartbreaking scene from his childhood, Perry discloses in his memoir his troubled and confusing relationship with his father from jump. Before his cognitive brain had even fully developed, the young Matthew Perry was abandoned by his father, John Bennett Perry, 82, who had dreams of leaving Ottawa, Ontario in favour of Los Angeles, California in pursuit of ironically—becoming a famous actor. John Bennett Perry would snag a few roles along the way, with his most recognizable role being in the Old Spice commercials throughout the 80's. Little did he know of course, the son he was leaving behind in the rearview mirror like a distant memory, 2 decades later would be impossible to ignore. Along with his Friends' co-stars—who all infamously banded together to be ensured they received equal contracts— Perry would become one of six, of the first-ever TV actors to earn a $1 Million per episode pay cheque. Of course, at 1 year old, the young Matthew Perry didn't know any of this. He only knew his father left and never came back.“I’m told, my father took me out of my car seat, handed me into my grandfather’s arms, and, with that, he quietly abandoned me and my mother. Then, Mom finally got out of our car, too, and me, my mom, and my grandfather stood listening to the waters hurtle over the Falls and roar into the Niagara Gorge and watched as my father sped away, forever,” Perry said of the moment his dad abandoned his family. “My father sped away, to God knows where. He didn’t come back from work that first day, nor the second. I was hoping he’d be home after three days, then maybe a week, then maybe a month, but after about six weeks I stopped hoping. I was too young to understand where California was, or what it meant to ‘go follow his dream of being an actor’ — what the f--k is an actor? And where the f--k is my dad?”Matthew Perry , On being abandoned by his fatherWhile Perry goes on to say "later in life" his dad became "a wonderful father"—the adult Matthew Perry understood the ramifications of his father's decision to leave him and his mother to fend for themselves, while he was still a baby. Perry also agrees that his father's dreams of becoming an actor, probably influenced his decision to pursue to same career path. One can imagine Perry secretly believed being noticed by the world, would heal the inner child wound he had of not being noticed by his father. Still, Matthew Perry grew up in more of less idyllic circumstances. His mother, Suzanne Perry, 84, was the press secretary of then-Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau—Perry even spilled in his memoir, he grew up alongside Pierre Trudeau's son; the 23rd Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. On a Jimmy Kimmel appearance in 2017, Perry disclosed a funny and memorable story of the time he "beat up" Canada's most annoying Prime Minister, as a kid (all of Conservative Canada cheered at this news).Following the news of Perry's death, Justin Trudeau released a short statement on TwitterDespite playing a LaZ-Boy loving 20-something on TV, in his youth Perry was quite the athlete. He was a tennis prodigy and at one point in his Tennis career ranked as No. 14 in Canada. This career however, was short lived.When he was 15, Perry moved from his mother's home in Canada to live with his father, Perry Sr., in Los Angeles. His father, he alleged, was also an alcoholic, and while living with him he got to a point where he was drinking six vodka tonics every night, something he called "the best part of my day."Matthew Perry Had His First Drink At The Age of 14It's widely believed in the recovery community that circumstances don't define your addiction. That the addict will always find an ailment or success to drink about. New job promotion? Drink to that. Wife left you? Drink over that. Nothing special happened? Drink about that. And the list goes on and on. It's impossible to say what makes an alcoholic. If it is nature or nurture or a cocktail of the two. Whatever the case, there's one principal in recovery that is widely agreed on, once the invisible line has been crossed, there is no going back.Matthew Perry recounts his first experience drinking alcohol at the tender of age of 14, and his recollection is a picture perfect example of the phenomenon of alcoholism. The relief, the weight off his shoulders, the "peace" the substance provided him is the unanimous early experience for the alcoholic. Chasing that high, searching for peace in the bottom of every bottle is a great shadow the powerful drug cast over Perry's life."I was lying back in the grass and the mud, looking at the moon, surrounded by fresh puke, and… nothing bothered me. The world made sense; it wasn’t bent and crazy. I was complete, at peace. I had never been happier than in that moment. This is the answer, I thought; this is what I’ve been missing. This must be how normal people feel all the time. I don’t have any problems. It is all gone. I don’t need attention. I am taken care of, I am fine."Matthew Perry, On his first drinking experienceFame Should Have Made The Problem Better...Right? So, Why Did It Only Make It Worse? “You can track the trajectory of my addiction if you gauge my weight from season to season — when I’m carrying weight, it’s alcohol; when I’m skinny, it’s pills. When I have a goatee, it’s lots of pills.”Matthew PerryEven though to an outsider, it would seem like Matthew Perry was getting everything he ever wanted, only as the famous saying goes, "addiction doesn't discriminate". It doesn't care about your class or social standing, it's "an equal-opportunity destroyer".“By the end of season three, I was spending most of my time figuring out how to get 55 Vicodin a day — I had to have 55 every day, otherwise I’d get so sick,” he added, also revealing that he had detoxed 65 times in his life. Matthew also recalled his Friends costar Jennifer Aniston once confronting him behind the scenes over his drinking. “Imagine how scary a moment that was,” he told Diane Sawyer at the time. “[Jen] was the one that reached out the most. I’m really grateful to her for that.”Even with unlimited resources to have the best medical care, and psychological attention paid, Perry still struggled with addiction throughout his life. In 2018, Perry shockingly ended up on life support and spent two weeks in a coma after his colon exploded because of his rampant and dangerous drug use. Matthew needed to have more than a dozen stomach surgeries and used a colostomy bag for nine months. Following his recovery, Perry told People magazine that looking down at the scars from his surgeries served as a reminder to stay sober. In his memoir, he touches on the same subject that in the wake of his death, serves as a poignant reminder.“Do you know what St. Peter says to everyone who tries to get into heaven?... Peter says, 'Don't you have any scars?' And when most would respond proudly, 'Well, no, no I don't,' Peter says, 'Why not? Was there nothing worth fighting for?”Matthew Perry, On living a life worth fighting forLooking Back at Landing the Role of A LifetimeWhen the script for a buzzed-about new show called Friends Like Us came his way, Perry is instantly struck by the “world-weary yet witty view of life” of one character in particular. He was certain this role was made for him and it was clear Friends Showrunners, Marta Kauffman, 67, and David Crane, 66, felt the same way. “It wasn’t that I thought I could play ‘Chandler’, I was Chandler.”Perry beat out hundreds of other contenders for the role. When he landed the coveted role of Chandler Bing on Friends, Matthew Perry and his 5 co-stars (Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc) became overnight sensations. Geoffrey Chandler / FlickrOver it's 10 season run, Friends earned 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, and to this day is celebrated no. 21 on TV Guide's "The 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time". The show's characters influenced popular culture and it was even proven in a study conducted byThe University of Toronto, that Chandler's widely popularized sarcastic inflection, definitively changed the way Americans spoke.Even though it would seem, being on one of the most beloved TV show's of all time and sporting one of the most recognizable (and sweetest) faces in the world, Matthew Perry would have finally felt worthy of the love and acceptance he longed for as a young boy, his memoir would suggest otherwise. In his book, Perry discloses several "crushes" he harboured on fellow A-List celebrities who were totally not out of his league...but it's clear Perry didn't see it that way.RELATED: “It Was Devastating:” Jennifer Aniston Rejected “Friends” Co-Star Matthew Perry — But Then Helped to Save His Life (VIDEO)Perry shared how his unrequited, long-withstanding crush on Jennifer Aniston was initially devastating. Perry famously asked Aniston out, 3 years before filming they were slated as co-stars on the show. In the beginning of filming Friends, seeing his crush everyday who turns out had eyes for David Schwimmer?!—in the reunion special it was revealed the Ross and Rachel love story wasn't just acting!—was challenging if not painful for Perry.“At first it was like, she would walk in, I’d be like, ‘Hey, good to see you.’ And I’d go to my dressing room and just go, ‘Oh, I’ll never, I’ll never be able to be with her,'” he recalled. “But how can you not have a crush on Jennifer Aniston, you know? But I did at one point just go, ‘All right, that’s enough.'”Matthew Perry, On crushing on his co-starIn His Search For Love, Self Sabotage Proved To Be The Romantic's Ultimate Enemy304422 21: Actor Matthew Perry and actress Julia Roberts hug each other on the set of "Friends." (Photo by Liaison)Listening to Perry recount his series of "crushes" unrequited or otherwise—most notably with Julia Roberts, it is clear Perry's low-self esteem was the ultimate form of self-sabotage. Perry's utter "lack mentality" or "scarcity mindset" is deafening and it is clear his perception that he was less than these women he perceived as out of his league cast a dark shadow over his romantic life. In the case of the beautiful and timeless Julia Roberts, with whom Matthew Perry had a brief relationship with — his self sabotage was so clear, even Perry himself remarked on it. "It was like she was placed on this planet to make the world smile, and now, in particular, me. I was grinning like some 15-year-old on his first date."Matthew Perry, on his relationship with Julia Roberts"I had been constantly certain that she was going to break up with me. Why would she not? I was not enough; I could never be enough; I was broken, bent, unlovable," Perry writes in his memoir. "So instead of facing the inevitable agony of losing her, I broke up with the beautiful and brilliant Julia Roberts."He adds, "She might have considered herself slumming it with a TV guy, and TV guy was now breaking up with her. I can't begin to describe the look of confusion on her face."In the face of rejecting love or being rejected by love, there was a tried-and-true solution that had always been there. The ultimate numbing agent that could make it all go away. To the cruel mistress, Perry returned.After The Friends Season Finale, Matthew Perry Felt "Emotionally Numb"“I couldn’t tell if that was because of the opioid buprenorphine I was taking, or if I was just generally dead inside… Jennifer Aniston was sobbing… Even Matt LeBlanc was crying. But I felt nothing.”Matthew Perry, On finishing filming FriendsAfter Friends, Perry's career failed to reach the same heights he had enjoyed during his time on the show. Despite his involvement in projects such as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Odd Couple, and films like 17 Again, none of these roles brought him the level of fame and notoriety he had experienced on Friends. During HBO's highly anticipated Friends reunion (2021) fans couldn't help but noticed Matthew Perry appeared notably different from the exuberant and charming Chandler he had portrayed on-screen years earlier. While Perry did note he had undergone an emergency dental surgery just a days prior to the reunion's filming—some fans didn't feel they were getting the full story. Perry struggled to articulate his thoughts coherently and appeared more contemplative (if not dejected) than his fellow cast members. To his co-stars surprise, Perry took the opportunity to open up about his battle with depression during the filming of the beloved sitcom—a revelation that many of his co-stars were unaware of until the reunion.Still, Matthew Perry viewed his express purpose on this planet as one with meaning, he was still decoding before he passed“Now, all these years later, I'm certain that I got famous so I would not waste my entire life trying to get famous. You have to get famous to know that it's not the answer. And nobody who is not famous will ever truly believe that.Matthew Perry, On what "fame" really meansIn this day and age, we are all so caught up with chasing the dragon, whatever our own version of that may be. In fact, for so many of us in the modern world, it is fame. It would be wise to heed the warning of someone who has been there and back again that this pursuit is an empty one. Meaning comes from not what we get, but what we give away. In his later life, this was a lesson Perry learned well and leaned into the fullest.Opening A Sober Living Home and Helping OthersThe best thing about me is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says ‘Will you help me?’ I will always say ‘Yes, I know how to do that. I will do that for you, even if I can’t always do it for myself.’Matthew Perry, On "giving freely what he was given".In 20xx, Perry teamed up with addiction specialist Earl Hightower to transform Perry's former home in Malibu, California into a sober living residence for men. The Perry House is a transitional space, helping recovering addicts ease back in to their regular lives. Sadly, Perry sold the treatment facility in 2015, citing unmanageable overhead costs as he was looking to relocate the business to a more affordable and accessible location. “When someone does something nice for someone else, I see God. But you can’t give away something you don’t have. So, I try to improve myself daily. When those moments come and I am needed, I’ve worked out my shit, and do what we are all here for, which is simply to help other people.”Remembering Matthew Perry's LegacyIn the aftermath of his passing, his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing has once again risen to the top of the bestseller charts, marking the second time this has occurred, the first being upon its initial release. Perry's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of demonstrating love, kindness, and patience to individuals while they are still with us.“I am me. And that should be enough, it always has been enough. I was the one who didn’t get that. And now I do. I’m an actor, I’m a writer. I’m a person. And a good one at that. I want good things for myself, and others, and I can continue to work for these things. There is a reason I’m still here. And figuring out why is the task that has been put in front of me. And it will be revealed. There is no rush, no desperation. Just the fact that I am here, and I care about people, is the answer. Now when I wake up, I wake up curious, wondering what the world has in store for me, and I for it. And that’s enough to go on.”Matthew Perry, On finally discovering he is enoughIf you are battling addiction or you are in a relationship with someone who battles addiction, there is help. There are rooms you can go to and resources available to find community and share your story. You're not alone. There are friends who'll be there for you.“And have you ever stood on the water's edge and tried to stop the wave? It goes on regardless of what we do, regardless of how hard we try. The ocean reminds us that we are powerless in comparison.” - Matthew Perry, 1969-2023.May he rest in peace.READ MORE ON GOALCAST“It Was Devastating:” Jennifer Aniston Rejected “Friends” Co-Star Matthew Perry — But Then Helped to Save His Life (VIDEO)Teen’s Dying Wish Is to Meet the Cast Of Friends – But Matthew Perry Has Something Else In Mind
Friends star Matthew Perry passed away suddenly on October 28, leaving behind millions of mourning fans. The actor was just 54 years old when he died, but what he did with his short time here on Earth will always be remembered. Especially by those he touched with his generosity and time.A Fan RemembersFollowing news of Perry’s death, a fan named Melissa Reich shared a heartwarming story about the time he went above and beyond to give her an incredible Friends experience. In an Instagram post, the fan recalled how, when she was 17 years old, she had been diagnosed with end-stage ovarian cancer.“As a result, I was granted a wish from Make-A-Wish Foundation and chose to meet the cast of Friends,” she recounted.Initially, Reich was only allowed to watch the cast rehearse an episode. But when Perry found out, he changed the plan.“He said that wasn’t good enough,” Reich recalled. “He told the producers to put me in the front row for the taping AND to put me in as an extra. And they did. After the scene, he and David Schwimmer both hugged me and told me how amazing I was.”Reich eventually won her fight against the cancer, but she will always remember how kind Perry was to her that day."I could tell Matthew was a very kind and gentle soul. As I’ve grown, only rarely have I come across anyone like him."Melissa Reich“It was literally one of the most important and special moments in my life,” she continued. “I could tell Matthew was a very kind and gentle soul. As I’ve grown, only rarely have I come across anyone like him. So genuinely generous of spirit in only brief interaction….is a special gift. I’m devastated that he survived so much to leave this earth too soon. All I can say is I hope now he knows how special he truly was.”A Celebrity RemembersSomeone else who remembered Perry for the generous guy he was is Hank Azaria. The actor and Simpsons star shared a video on Instagram that paid tribute to his departed friend. According to Azaria, Perry was the first friend he made when he got to Los Angeles.“We were really more like brothers for a long time. We drank a lot together, we laughed a lot together, we were there for each other in the early days of our careers,” he recalled.“I really loved him. A lot of us who were close to him felt like we lost him to drugs and alcohol a long time ago because — as he documented in his autobiography — there was so much suffering.”Azaria revealed he had to pick up and put down Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing several times before he could get through it, because it was so hard for him to read. However, he also shared that Perry was key to his own recovery."The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together."Hank Azaria“I’m a sober guy for 17 years, and I wanna say that, the night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together,” Azaria continued.“He was so caring and giving and wise. And he totally helped me get sober. And I really wish he could’ve, you know, found the – found it in himself to stay with the silver life more consistently.”A Life of GivingIn addition to being there for his friends and fans, Perry was intent on finding purpose following his well-documented struggles with addiction. That’s why he created the Perry House in Malibu, a sober living facility for men.According to Friends casting director Leslie Litt, Perry helped her in a time of need as well. The woman recalled giving birth to a daughter who had special needs and required surgery. The baby didn’t survive the operation, and Litt wanted to start a fundraiser to benefit other children born into similar circumstances.She recalled asking Perry to host the event, and he immediately agreed.“We sold out the event, he did publicity, [and] it became an annual event,” Litt recalled, as per Men’s Journal. “I asked Matt every year, like getting up my nerve, ‘Will you host again?’” she continued."Matthew turned to me and said, ‘I know I won’t see you every day, but you don't have to ask me anymore. I’m there for you. I will always host it.'"Leslie Litt“This is the memory I’ll always have. During the very last episode of Friends, when the last scene was shot and everyone was on the floor hugging and crying, Matthew turned to me and said, ‘I know I won’t see you every day, but you don't have to ask me anymore. I’m there for you. I will always host it.'”How Matthew Perry Wanted to Be RememberedShortly after Perry died, many fans took to social media to share a particularly moving transcript from an interview he gave last year. In it, the actor recalled how he would like to be remembered when his time came.“The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, ‘I can't stop drinking, can you help me?' I can say yes and follow up and do it,” he said during a Q with Tom Power interview.“And I've said this for a long time; when I die, I don't want Friends to be the first thing that's mentioned. I want that to be the first thing that's mentioned, and I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that,” he continued."I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker. And his paramount thing is that he wants to help people. That's what I want."Matthew PerryA Lesson for Us AllSuccess means different things for different people, but as Perry proves, what we do with our time here on Earth is more than just how much money we make or how many people know who we are.Perry grew famous for a role on a TV show, but with that fame came dark demons. He fought those demons by giving back and by helping others, and now people are coming out in droves to remember him for it.It’s a gentle reminder to all of us that none of us are perfect. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still try to be good people. Give your time to worthy causes. Show up for your friends and loved ones when it matters. And remember that so long as you try to be a good person, that is what people will remember you for.More from Goalcast:How Jennifer Aniston Saved Matthew Perry From Death With One Simple QuestionRoss Geller Wasn’t Your TV Boyfriend – He Was the Smirking Epitome of Toxic BehaviorLisa Kudrow Overcame a Devastating Body Issue on FRIENDS – Here’s How She Did It
Picture this: You're in the grocery store, just another day, loading up your cart with the usual essentials. Your mind is racing with thoughts of dinner plans and to-do lists. It's an ordinary day until something extraordinary happens, something that shakes you out of your daily routine.What One Stranger Did for an Army Veteran at a Grocery StoreMeet Larry, an Army veteran, on a routine grocery trip, his cart filled with just a couple of items. But what makes his day remarkable is what unfolds at the checkout counter.Larry, standing behind a disabled veteran named Stephanie, who had just had her groceries paid for by a generous news anchor, becomes the center of attention. The news anchor, having noticed Larry's military cap, stops him and says, "You served us. It's our turn to serve you now."Larry is stunned, looking into the news anchor's eyes, tears glistening. He hadn't expected any special treatment, just a regular grocery run. But now, he's led back into the store for more shopping, on the house.For veterans like Larry, life after service comes with its own set of challenges, from healthcare to employment. This gesture isn't just about free groceries; it's a powerful symbol of gratitude for his sacrifice and service."It made me feel good to be an American, to be recognized. It was so special," Larry emotionally explains. And the impact goes beyond him. Store employees and fellow customers are swept up in the wave of positivity.How One Kind Act Can Change a Person’s PerspectiveThis heartwarming story quickly spreads on social media, a reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Other local shoppers also receive free groceries that day, spreading joy.In a world often dominated by negative news, this tale is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that small acts of kindness can not only brighten someone's day but also change their perspective on life. Larry's words capture it perfectly, "It's moments like these that make you realize there's still a lot of good in the world."This true story of unexpected generosity renews our faith in humanity and encourages us to believe in the better angels of our nature.More from Goalcast:WWII Veteran Has Kept a Photograph of a 14-Year-Old in His Pocket for 78 Years – Then His Mystery Girl Showed UpYoung Girl Tells Worried Mom She Talks to a Veteran Every Morning — Their Shared Conversations Are Surprising
Sometimes we take routine things for granted. But when we are injured and as we age, we begin to realize that our bodies can’t do everything forever. That’s why it’s so heartwarming to see others step up to help when we, or someone we know, is struggling in our community.A Not-So-Routine DeliveryIn January 2022, a big snowstorm hit La Porte, Indiana. Houses were all snowed in, and neighbors had a big day of shoveling ahead. That didn’t stop the Amazon delivery trucks from making their rounds, though. It was business as usual. Until one driver got to a home where he noticed the resident was struggling.“Our 90+-year-old neighbor got an Amazon delivery today,” a woman namedAllison captioned a video on TikTok. “He noticed her struggling to get to her mailbox in her driveway and immediately took care of the problem.”In the video, you can see the driver shoveling the snow for the resident, clearing the driveway so that she can come and go.“Faith in humanity restored,” Allison added.A Viral MessageIn the comments, some wondered why Allison didn’t help her neighbor shovel. However, she noted that she had been really ill and wasn’t able to help. Other neighbors had also shoveled the woman’s driveway the night before, but this was a particularly brutal snowstorm.Still, it warmed Allison’s heart that someone else would stop their day in order to help this woman. Others felt the same and flooded the comments to the social media post, which has now been seen more than two million times.“A heart of gold can exist in anybody,” one person wrote. “It’s even more impressive because I know the driver is in a rush,” added another. One person even chimed in about how her own Amazon delivery driver had salted her driveway for her that same day.“Do good for someone, and good will always come back to you. Good on you, Sir,” added someone else.Pitching in Where We CanIt’s nice to think that when we need help, our community will be there for us. But this story also highlights why it’s important to help others within our community when we know they’re having a hard time, too.If you’re able, cutting a neighbor’s grass, blowing their leaves, or shoveling their driveway is always a kind act. But there are other things you can do, too. If you make cookies or extra soup, offer some to a neighbor who lives alone or has had a rough time lately. Help them take their trash bins to and from their garage. Or water their plants if you’re outside doing yours.There are many ways to be a good neighbor and community member. Everyone needs good neighbors who make us feel connected and a part of something. It isn’t just good for your health; it’s good for your soul.More from Goalcast:Woman Notices Her Elderly Neighbor of 20 Years Is Living in a Destroyed House – Decides to Take Matters Into Her Own HandsWoman Finds a Heartbreaking Note at Her Home From Her Lonely 90-Year-Old Neighbor – Jumps Into Action After Reading ItWoman Abandons Her Son With Neighbor Who Can Never Have Kids – This Incident Changes Her Life Forever
Sanitation workers have a thankless job. Day in and day out, garbage men and women make their rounds, collecting and disposing of what we throw out to the curb. They work long, physical days and often never meet the people they’re serving. It’s a messy job.Brandon Olsen and Taylor Fritz are two such sanitation workers who work for Hometown Sanitation Services in Blue Earth, Minnesota. One day along their route, they saw three little girls waving vigorously at them from the window. It put a smile on their faces as they continued working hard. They waved goodbye and continued along their route.Finding Joy in RoutinePexels/ Artem MakarovThe next week, the girls were there again — and then again the following week. Soon, Olsen and Fritz began looking forward to this part of their route because they knew the girls would be there every time. One of them would even appear with binoculars, trying to get a closer look at the garbage collection. All three would wave wildly as Olsen and Fritz through their garbage backs into the back of the truck. On the occasional day where the men would arrive before the girls were at the window, they’d pause a little in their work and wait for them. “It could warm anyone’s heart, seeing those girls wave,” said Fritz.It was such a simple thing, but it made all the difference in the men’s day. Seeing the girls so happy when they pulled up in their big garbage truck was a gift. It was the best part of their job. And running to the window to wave to the two garbage men continued to be one of the family’s favourite traditions. The friendship between the workers and the family grew, and it all started with just a wave from afar. Everyone looked forward to the weekly ritual.A Shock for the Garbage MenOne Halloween, Olsen and Fritz made up little treat bags for the girls and dropped them off along their route. The girls’ parents, Aaron and Angie, were touched by these men going above and beyond their job. The girls wrote thank you cards and drew pictures for their favourite garbage men. Olsen and Fritz were delighted. They keep them handy to remind themselves how much they’re appreciated.There was also a note from the girls’ parents, though, and this one made the smiles disappear from the men’s faces. The note read, in part: “We may miss you some Thursdays upcoming; our 3-year-old girl was diagnosed with cancer and has chemo on Thursdays.”The girl who grabbed the binoculars each week to get a better view is Rose. At just three years old, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. The cancer had spread to her lungs, and Rose would have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She and her family would now spend much of their time at the hospital.Rose so loved seeing the garbage men each week, and a special bond had formed between them and Rose’s family. Angie didn’t want the men to think the girls had just lost interest. She felt the need to explain why they wouldn’t be at the window on Thursdays anymore for some time.Olsen and Fritz were gutted. They had had no idea what the family was going through. “I have three kids of my own. I could never imagine it,” Olsen said.A Small Gesture With a Big ImpactThey wanted to do something for the family, but what? As Hometown Sanitation Services workers, they were entitled to free garbage pickup at their own homes. The men approached their boss and said they wanted to give their benefit to Rose’s family. And so Hometown Sanitation Services sent Aaron and Angie a letter informing them that they would be receiving free garbage pickup, as a small gesture to make things easier for them in the upcoming year.“I started crying,” Angie said. “It was only a few weeks out from the diagnosis. Sometimes it’s hard to be positive, but little things like what Hometown did are helping us limp along.”“It really brightened our day…just that they cared,” said Aaron.The men kept the family — and the girls’ drawings — close to their hearts. They missed the girls and thought of them often. So a couple months later, they brought the girls presents for Christmas. “We miss them when they’re gone, but we make up for it when they’re back,” said Olsen.A gesture as simple as a wave, an act of kindness to ease someone else’s burden. It’s the little things in life that make all the difference. And you never know just how far one act of kindness will go.More from Goalcast:Woman Sets Up a Camera at Her Elderly Mom’s House – Finds Out the Truth About Her Relationship With a Sanitation Worker82-Year-Old With Dementia Disappears Into the Freezing Cold – One Sanitation Worker Doesn’t Hesitate to Carry Her Into His Truck
