RSVP
Some of you watching the Today show this morning might not have understood why Matt was mercilessly teasing me about my husband Richard’s book party last night.
Richard’s new book Strong at The Broken Places , profiling five people living with chronic illness, came out this week. Richard and I had decided to throw a book party. Most of the invitations had been mailed out before New Year’s, but the ones for Matt, Ann, and Al—which were supposed to be hand-delivered—never got to them. Of course we didn’t know about that and we were looking forward to seeing them at the party.
Last night, as I looked around the room, I wondered why Matt wasn’t there, especially since Ann and Al were. What I came to find out later is that Al had run into Richard earlier in the day, and Richard had said to him, "I hope to see you later." To which Al said something like, “For what?” Maybe that should have been the first clue, but Richard and I never put two-and-two together.
I know what you must be thinking: didn’t we have an RSVP list? Yes, we did. But almost nobody had RSVP’ed. We figured it was because of the all the craziness of the holidays, and decided whoever wanted to come would show up.
As it turns out, Ann became aware of the book party during the day, and even though she hadn’t received an invitation either, she showed up to be supportive (she had done a great job interviewing Richard and the people profiled in his book during the 10 o’clock hour of Today).
Anyway, this morning Matt comes into my office at a little past 6 a.m., acting weird. He asked me point-blank why he hadn’t been invited to the party, to which I assured him he had been. But he kept saying, “Well, I didn’t get an invitation.” And then he walked out. I thought he was upset, and that made me upset, because I knew that he was supposed to have gotten an invitation.
When I got to the set, Matt was already in place and he said, “Don’t worry about it, I know it was an honest mistake.” But once the cameras were on, he decided to have some fun—and the saga of the "non-invite" became a running joke throughout the show.
I learned something today. If you are going to have an RSVP list, then check it. And even if no one has responded, follow up to get an answer.
Tomorrow I plan to walk into Matt’s office and hand-deliver him a signed copy of Strong at the Broken Places.
And it’ll only cost him $24.95.
Photos: Michael Glantz
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Better yet -- show up at Matt's house, around supper time, with your whole family, and the signed copy of the book. Tell him you felt so bad about the party that you want to re-enact the entire evening for him-- Tell him to make himself comfortable because it'll take you all night....
But his comeback on air about having dinner with Katie was priceless! And the look on your face made me laugh out loud! When you can tease like that on air, that's the proof that real friendship and respect lies beneath!
Aw, Meredith! I know the whole thing must have been crazy for you, but on an up side, it made for great TV! (Sorry!) You guys were cracking me up this morning, and that's tough to do at 7 am while I'm getting ready to head to a classroom full of first graders. I felt for you, but I knew Matt meant it all in fun - especially after you explained the situation. I kept thinking, 'Matt had better watch out after the broadcast... she's going to knock him out for bringing it up again on live, national television!' It's one of those crazy mix-ups in life, and it was fun to see y'all roll with the punches. Thanks for letting us in on your everyday life, even while bringing us the news.
matt`s joke on you today was really hilarious and so were the other news correspondents who jumped in to the joke of the day. I felt so bad for you but couldn`t keep laughing at the honest mistake you and richard made. And these pictures are so cute with the captions. Don`t worry about it. I`m sure Richard`s book will be a success and you`ll have another party celebrating the book for being in the bestseller`s list. And this time, make sure you PERSONALLY deliver the invitations to your loving co-anchors. The 4 of you rock!!! great camaraderie!!!
So why didn't Natalie or Hoda get an invite?
hahah meredith that made me laugh.
I'm sorry to say this but I think you were relieved he wasn't there, Meredith. You both are take charge types and I find myself tense just watching you in the morning. I believe you both try hard to make it work but the chemistry is just too 'acidic.' I'll continue to watch but I Meredith and David Gregory or Matt and Katie work much better. Good luck on the book sales...
It was a fun show actually. He seemed to enjoy teasing you & it seemed light-hearted enough.
mer--hope you all had a good time at your party. At least you all look sober. I don't think Matt would have went to the party anyway, so don't worry about it. Nice Pictures, it adds a NICE TOUCH TO YOUR BLOG...keep smiling.. P.S were is my invitation?
I thought your banter with Matt this morning was entertaining. At least the miscommunication was fodder for the show.
Perhaps the Today show could do a segment on how to handle an awkward social situation like invitations getting lost in the mail.
Mere
You are TOO funny! Who knew you were SO skilled at photo editing!
Can u put thought bubbles on MY kids pix! I wish I could be as creative as u!!
Congratulations to Richard. Will the proceeds of the book will be divided among those whose stories it told?
Hilarious!
Well, I'm sure your party was great even with Matt's absence. You had to pay for it a bit on the show, but it looked like it was all in good fun. I imagine you will be checking your RSVP lists carefully from now on!
PLEASE READ.
I was watching the show this morning and noticed that you stated you hope that Mitt wins Michigan. I also noticed that you was giving Hillary a very hard time when you were interviewing her and when you were interviewing Mitt it was like you were talking to an old friend. I thought the media was suppose to keep their vote to themself.
Dear Meredith, I was so happy to see that your husband, Richard, had written a book about chronic illnesses. I too have a chronic illness, an "invisible" one. And, despite having to quit my job that I loved, as a police officer, and losing my life long sense of independence, my husband knows that I am not "faking it." Too many tears have been shed for him to believe that. Still, despite what he says, I can tell that he, like so many people, thought that quitting a stressful job like policing, would somehow magically make me "better." When it didn't, I could tell all my family were disappointed. Then I began have the typical health issues that women get, in addition to getting worse with my chronic illness. I can still wash, dress and drive myself. For that, I am thankful. But, what bothers me the most, is that despite all I have done for my family over the years, and the fact that they know that I am now the one in need, at least emotionally, there is no one there for me. My husband & folks try, but...Oh well..
Hi Meredith,
I watched your interview with Marci Shirnoff, the author of 'Happy for no reason'. I liked the phrase 'I am good enough' and the demo she made. I made a chant out of the phrase and chant when I exercise around the house.
I am good enough (6 times)
I can make it (3 times)
Cause I'm good enough.
I am good enough (6 times)
I can take charge (3 times)
Cause I'm good enough.
I am good enough (6 times)
I am happy (3 times)
Cause I'm good enough.
I intend to tape record the chant and listen to it even when I'm not exercising! Thanks for the show.
I saw the interview. I was a little
surprised that there was not any notation made of Richard Cohen's connection to the Today Show...
Mer--hmmmmmmm since when did you turn republican--or is Mitt just a morman independent?
Meredith, since you work every day with Matt, Ann and Al, why didn't you just say, on the day of the party, be sure and come tonight. then they could have said, " come to what party". that way, I am sure your co-workers would have been there, but how come Hoda wasn't invited? I expect you felt very badly about the whole situation, and next time you send out invitations, be sure and check your guest list to find out for sure who is coming, and who is not. that way, there will be no hurt feelings, like Matt must have felt. the fact that he kept bringing it up the next day must have told you how badly he felt in being left out, even if by mistake.I am sure you apologized to him, and being the gentleman he is, I think he must have known how badly you felt. It pays to do our best to get along with our co-workers.
Meredith, I am so happy that you are on the Today Show! I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. The wonderful, warm love between you, Matt, Al, and Ann is fantastic! It helps make my day. The show is NOT the same, when either of you is miss. I love the 4 of you together! You have been one of my favorite people since your tenure on the View. Congratulations to your husband, Richard, on his book! You are one of the BEST, Meredith!
Dear Meredith,
Really enjoyed this situation and the responses that followed. I am really looking forward to reading Richard's book. He is such an inspiration. You are a wonderful part of my morning now that you have joined the Today Show. Keep up the great job. love, mary ellen
Larry, I heard Meredith tell the viewers that Richard is her husband each time she introduced the chronic illness segments.
Meredith,
Having just watched your interview on Larry King I have become aware of Richard's condition and your deeper understanding of chronic illness. May I invite you to report on Fibromyalgia and or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? You would find more on these disabling conditions at US groups like CFIDS and the National Fibromyalgia Association. Millions of people are afflicted with FM which results in widespread unending pain, while alot face not only the FM pain, but the fatigue and other changes of CFS. Their story needs telling, in part because so many have it and it affects so many families, in part because so many doctors don't treat it as real, like MS many years ago. It is following the same track as MS, and will benefit from both research and awareness. Many thanks in any case.
John
Dear Meredith and Richard,
I was soooooooooooooo excited when I heard you were both going to be with Larry. Meredith I have loved you for years. I have followed you on air, that is, and always thought you were very smart and gorgeous.
I have heard so much about Richard but have NEVER gotten a chance to see him till tonight. Wow I am so impressed. You are such a great and lovely couple. I made my husband watch with me. He never comments. I loved watching you and hearing your stories.
I feel SO closely related in many ways. First of all I had the same last name Cohen. I know we cannot be related because all my relatives were extremely mentally ill. I am an incest survivor.
I am older now and also have many chronic illnesses. I am different than you and the others in that I am not filled with optimism. I do not have a wonderful support system or family. I KNOW you know how extremely lucky you both are and I envy you.
Richard I cannot wait to read your book. I probably will wait until it is at
Thank you and Richard for appearing on Larry King LIVE tonight. I was captivated by all that Richard had to say! He articulated our obstacles well and our frustrations...we just want our potential back or acceptance of our new potential. I, too, suffer from a painful and chronic illness and it was very cathartic to hear him speak about all that we face. If just one person opens their hearts and minds to an understanding of our "life" sentence, then it was well worth it. My advice to you, Merideth(assuming you need any), is to simply listen to Richard and in the most meaningful way you can, let him know that you are truly trying to understand and that above all else, you care, support, and love him and can accept that he is absolutly doing the best he can! You are blessed with a courageous husband and he is blessed with an understanding wife!
Hi! Richard and Meredith,
It was so encouraging to know so many people are suffering such pain and discomfort and who also are brave and keep going no matter what. As for me I take such comfort to know that the Lord is watching over us all. When you think about what out Lord and Savior suffered for us it gives such peace to know that we are not alone. How wondeerful that we can pray for each other and know someday we will walk the streets of gold,with no more pain or sorrow, with our loved ones who have gone before.
hi merideth and richard,
saw the interview with Larry King last night about your new book.
I thought Richard's last book "Blindsided" was great but this new one hits home for me. Diagnosed with ALS in 2002, i never thought i would be able to cope with this disease. It has not been an easy road but i have been able to reach into that well of strength that I never thought i had. Richard's comment that we don't realize how strong we are until we are tested is on the mark. i too do not see myself as a victim and will not let this "ALS coat" i have to wear define who i am or what i do.
i think i have the same fiery spirit that Richard has and it is contagious. i hope he continues to spread that and commend him for the impact he is having. he is truly a pioneer as we are looking at a rise in these chronic illnesses.
Dear Meredith: I just wanted to stop and say hi. Hi. Can you smile? Like this,see? SSSmmmmmmmmillllllllllling. Bye bye. Love Marty
Hi Meredith, I just want to tell you how nice you look in the hat that Matt gave to you for Christmas. What great taste he has. It is sooo nice to see you on the Today show. You are such a delight to watch and you have a beautiful smile and personality. You fit in on the show from day 1.
Sincerely,
Trish Dibler
Oklahoma City, OK
Meridith - I missed that show. You and Matt not getting along? Every person I know enjoys the show and everyone thinks you all make a terrific team. It must be working to extend another hour. It's like sitting with my friends for awhile. You share life among yourselves and the rest of us while providing sensitive information as well as other topics of interest and important information. In fact, I think Matt is more at east than in the past. Maybe it's the age thing. But let's not go there. Contratulations on the book
Hey Meredith. I guess we all know who you are supporting in the election. Hiliary Clinton. You had a huge smile on your face when she won the N.H. primary and it seemed like you two were having "girl talk" in what was supposed to be a unbiased interview. Now today, when interviewing Senator Obama, instead of talking about his views you seemed like an attack dog that couldn't stop talking about the Clintons. I thought as a news reporter you are supposed to know how to be unbias and not express your personal political views. I guess you haven't mastered that yet. And for the record, I'm not an Obama or Clinton supporter. It is just frustrating to watch this unbias news reporting on a morning show.
I felt incomfortable watching MV ask Sen Obama questions in a tone which was confrontational, and it offended me. If she does not like him, get someone else to ask the questions, she is "showing" her feelings on camera.
Where is the objective side of NBC?
your interview with oboma stunk of hillary. one thing i didnt like about katie was her tough questions always started out by saying "some people would say ". no, some people arent saying. you are. you asked the question, you take responsibility for it. now, you are doing the same thing. for a show that is supposed to be nuetral, it sure has a way of making its oppinion known. for the last 10 yrs, my tv is on nbc in the morning. after today, anything but. you used to have a good show.
I am wondering if you read all these comments.....Just wanted to say that I really enjoy you on the Show, but I REALLY miss you on the VIEW. They lost their greatest asset when you left. [OK, gotta admit, I'm crazy about that nut, Joy. And Whoopie made a wonderfully interesting & funny addition] Anyway, I enjoy watching you on whatever you are on, and wish you and your family Blessings in your life. Sincerely, LINDA BERRY, FORT WORTH TEXAS
I've been salivating for Richard's new book since he discussed it on the Don Imus show. I pre-ordered it, read it, and it has inspired me to act to bring more chronic illnesses like FMS and CFS to ordinary people's radar. You both are deserving of each other. (Oh, Meredith, get your mind out of the gutter.LOL)
You have helped to bring back the lightheartedness to the Today Show. You, Matt, Al, Ann, Hoda and Natalie are PERFECT together. Love you all. You keep a good balance of fun and hard news. Keep up the good work....all of you. :)