It’s Matt’s birthday today, also known around here as “Doc” from Cannery Row. Why? Because Steinbeck could have been describing him:
Doc would listen to any kind of nonsense and turn it into wisdom. His mind had no horizon–and his sympathy had no warp. He could talk to children, telling them very profound things so that they understood. […] Everyone who knew him was indebted to him. And everyone who thought of him thought next, “I really must do something nice for Doc.”
And!
Doc tips his hat to dogs as he drives by and the dogs look up and smile at him.
Matt has waved at dogs and kids and pedestrians since I met him. He’s also been the steadiest man I’ve ever known, the wisest and most generous. Animals and children and clinically anxious women (ahem) are drawn to him; young bros ask him for advice; older people love his consideration.
He even won over Toby in our years together, to the point where Toby would meow and look for him if he was working late. Everyone who knows him depends on him in some way, and I’m sure they think, “We really must do something nice for Doc.” (I know I do.)
So happy birthday, honey. Thank you for everything you do, and I hope you do something nice for yourself today. I love you. <3