Matthew Lillard's Kindness Sparks Recovery

It's April 28th.

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A threads user named Alex Merstman went viral this week, sharing how actor Matthew Lillard

changed his life.

A few years back, Merstman's New York City apartment burned down, sending him into deep

depression and heavy drug use.

Right before heading to rehab, he met Lillard at Seattle Comic Con and opened up about his struggles.

Lillard dropped everything, gave him a big bare-hud that lasted minutes, and told him he had

this one day at a time.

Those words stuck with Merstman through recovery, pulling him out of the darkest moments.

Fast forward to Monday, April 27th, Merstman celebrated 18 months sober and publicly thank

Lillard for the inspiration, calling him a real one with the longest con line ever.

Lillard saw the post and hit back quick, saying Merstman was the true hero, stays strong,

one day at a time.

Merstman lit up on 5th Avenue, beaming and grateful, soaking in the spring day sober,

instead of hiding away.

Moments like this highlight, how a kind word from someone like Lillard, fresh off hits

like Five Nights at Freddy's and Scream, can spark real healing.