David Letterman

I actually know what I was doing on August 30, 1993. I had just arrived at college for my freshman year. I was going through the usual college freshman feelings of fear, nervousness, loneliness, etc. And I had unwittingly signed up for the all black dorm. I wasn’t inclined to care. My roommate was a nice guy. But it became clear pretty quickly that I wasn’t wanted. There was another white guy, Matt, down the hall who was in the same position as I. Only he was a little older, a transfer student rather than a freshman. And he had a TV in his room. Needless to say, we bonded. And it turns out, we were both fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan and David Letterman. That’s as good a place to form a friendship as I can think of. So, on August 30, 1993 at 11:30 at night, I sat in my new friend’s dorm room and we watched Dave premier his talk show on CBS.
I think I’ve watched more episodes of Late Night than any other TV show.  The only thing I’ve probably watched more is NESN’s coverage of the Sox.  It’s been a few years since I’ve watched Dave regularly, though.  I’m old, work two jobs and have a young daughter.  I just don’t stay up that late anymore.  But, starting last week, I’ve been watching again.  It’s the same old show, and I mean that in the best way.  It’s been like hanging out with an old friend.
Tonight is Dave’s last episode.  I will definitely be watching.  David Letterman was my first good college experience and helped me find my first college friend.  Even though Matt and I haven’t spoken in over 20 years, I hope wherever he is he will be watching, too.

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