Today is Gatto’s 58th Birthday. Tomorrow he’s going to have a serious surgery to remove colon cancer. Gatto is one of those folks that I’ve really gotten to know over the years running a small business here in the Mission District. He comes by practically every day to say hello. He has never, not once, said a nasty word about anyone or complained. Against extremely difficult circumstances he still maintains a sunny disposition which is, in my opinion, a testament to his iron will. I’m not sure how he became homeless - it’s never come up. All I know is that Gatto has been as much a fixture in my life and community here as many other peers and colleagues. He’s a sweet man. A good man. I wish him well on his important surgery and a big happy birthday.