I love the television series titled “Matlock.” In the show, Attorney Ben Matlock is sagacious to say the least. He is so down-to-earth on the show; however, he is full of wit and wisdom. No matter what situation arises, Matlock will figure out the solution. While detectives, officials, and others are working hard to figure out who committed the crime and find the perpetrator, Matlock methodically focuses on the little details and pieces together the big picture.
Matlock also knows what he likes and sticks to that. Just because he is a millionaire lawyer, he does not feel like he has to live in the biggest house or drive the most expensive car. He still lives in the same old house he had before his wife died. And he drives an old car that, though nice, may need a jump or a push from time to time. Ben does not care about luxury. But he does have a social life. He has a loyal best friend and a lady he likes a lot. He prefers plain old hot dogs to filet mignon, with lots of cut-up raw onions. Me too.
Matlock is also a simple dresser. He wears the same old suit style and color all the time. Though they tease him about it on the show, he refuses to spend his money on expensive, showy, dark pin-striped suits. He doesn’t need to look rich to win his cases. But mind you, his suits do come from a men’s tailor shop, not just any old store. So, Ben Matlock does recognize quality. He is my kind of guy.
Matlock inspires me to think critically and to be positive. No problem is too large to tackle bit by bit. When I was diagnosed with kidney challenges, I wanted to just give up. But my sons, my sister, my brothers, and others rallied around me to urge me to climb this mountain. I watched an episode of “Matlock” in which he and his housekeeper found themselves lost. His car wouldn’t start, of course, so he asked her to drive him to a dinner in his honor. Somehow, she got turned around and didn’t know where they were. Disaster, right?
Matlock figured out strategies to get them out of that mess. They hitched a ride back to town and reached their destination. But wouldn’t you know it, the dinner in his honor had ended. Determined and unbowed, Matlock gave his speech to the room of empty chairs anyway. That is how I have tackled my kidney challenges. The journey has had some hard spots and some hurtful spaces. But I have grabbed on to the good people who have been placed in my path. And when I have a disappointing day, I sit down to my Netflix TV my sons gave me and watch Matlock re-runs with my sister. Then, things look up.
Lea la versión en español de este ensayo aquí.
Ev Dove writes an inspirational column for her nonprofit PathChoice. She majored in English at UNC-Chapel Hill in the 70s. Helping others be positive in the face of adversity is something Ev does often. “We all have a cross to bear, and we can all help each other travel life’s path with lighter steps,” she says. Ev’s hobbies include doing Word-Circle puzzles and going to look at the Ocean. She says “Ocean waves bring about healing.” She is proud to be a United States Air Force Veteran.
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