Most 21-year-olds are over the moon excited when they officially turn 21. It’s a time in one’s life when you’re officially recognized by others as an adult.
When Matt Goodman from Massachusetts turned 21, the moment was incredibly bittersweet for him. Most teenagers long for the day when they are finally able to legally drink alcohol, but Matt was feeling mixed emotions about his big birthday.
He lost his father
Back when Matt was just 15-years-old, his beloved father passed away. However, before passing, he made sure he left Matt a special gift to use on his 21st birthday.
A special gift
Matt’s sister, Casey, was trusted with a $10 bill to give to Matt on the day of his 21st birthday- specifically to buy his first beer. As his father couldn’t be with him in this significant moment, this was a reminder to Matt that his dad would always be there in his heart.
“I know the hardest thing for my dad was the things he was going to miss out on,” Casey Goodman, Matt’s sister, told Boston 25. “Anyone who knew my dad knew he was this goofy, larger-than-life of-the-party guy, and my little brother was his entire world.”
Matt’s mom and sister held onto the $10 for the next six years, until Matt was about to turn 21. When the day arrived, Casey stuck to her promise and presented her younger brother with the money that his dad had left.
Bud Light for the win
As soon as Matt was given the money, he knew exactly what to spend it on. Bud Lights were his father’s favorite, and almost certainly what his dad would have persuaded him to order.
Matt shared a picture of the special moment onto Twitter, along with the caption: “Almost 6 years ago before my dad passed he gave my sister this $10 bill to give to me on my 21st birthday so he could buy me my first beer, cheers pops having this one for you!”
almost 6 years ago before my dad passed he gave my sister this 10$ bill to give to me on my 21st birthday so he could buy me my first beer, cheers pops havin this one for you! pic.twitter.com/oaIulpEJTc
— Matt Goodman (@mattg12699) December 6, 2020
The gesture went viral
Since being posted, Matt’s tweet has gone viral and has been liked over 500,000 times, as well as being shared by people all over the world.
The tweet was even spotted by Budweiser themselves, who responded, “We’re raising one to your pops, Matt. He got your first beer and the next one’s on us.”
We’re raising one to your pops, Matt. He got your first beer and the next one’s on us. https://t.co/G29VzkzqAc
— Budweiser (@budweiserusa) December 8, 2020
True to their word, Budweiser followed through with their promise and surprised Matt with not one, but several cases of beer.
“Thanks @budweiserusa, I think I got my next few beers taken care of!!!” Matt Tweeted, alongside a picture of him and his sister crouched next to a total of eight crates of beer.
Thanks @budweiserusa i think i got my next few beers taken care of!!! pic.twitter.com/w0Txl413sZ
— Matt Goodman (@mattg12699) December 8, 2020
The kindness towards Matt continued, and many people messaged him privately asking if they could send him money to buy him a beer. But Matt politely declined, and instead asked that the donations be sent to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Matt’s birthday ended up being special in more ways than one, and it couldn’t have been a better way to honor his dad.
There’s no doubt his father was looking down on him with a big smile on his face on his son’s 21st birthday.
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