Today is my best friend’s 40th birthday. I’ll not launch into a massive accounting of why Rod is my best friend, as many of the reasons are ones that remain between he and I alone, and that are, in truth, almost impossible to explain. We have, over the last two years, traveled the paths of loss and death and the limits of sanity together, and through it all have somehow been able to retain some semblance of humour. In many ways, when we are together, our ability to laugh as much as we do perplexes me sometimes given everything that’s transpired, but I’d not exchange it for anything.
There is no arguing that over the last several years our lives have both been irreparably changed. The upside, of course, is that through it all we’ve had each other to fall back on – even more, that one never has to ask the other to catch them, that it remains an unspoken rule between us.
I would, of course, like nothing more than to be able to grant Rod’s wish to have his father here today to share some cake, or to even stand on the back porch of his old house with him and share a cup of coffee and a cigarette and a few laughs - but that is not something that I am able to do. So I will say this instead…
In this life we often know many people. There are those that we believe we know but actually do not, and those we share ourselves with at a remove that will never be truly close to us. In many instances in life we are let down by those we believe to be trustworthy, that have given us the impression that their feelings towards us are unshakably sincere, and those that would use us for their own benefit without it troubling their conscience in the slightest. But sometimes in this life, if we are very lucky, we are gifted a bond with another person that is unquestionable in its strength, in its sincerity, and in its reliability. And though many might believe that they enjoy numerous relationships with a variety of people, the reality is that if you can seriously claim to have had one such true friendship in your time on this earth you are unbelievably lucky.
Personal politics, jealousy, and uncertainty are not elements that exist between those that are truly our friends. No matter how bad things might get, they are the ones that refuse to abandon us, even to their own peril, inconvenience, or disadvantage. That is what a true friend is, and therefore is not something that many can claim they actually possess. In my life I have been gifted such an unconditional friendship, and on this, his 40th birthday, though he doesn’t need to hear it from me, he remains one of the very few people in my life for which I would surrender my own to see him safe.
On behalf of myself, my brother and Chloe, and my parents, happy birthday buddy.
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Super friends!
You really can’t overstate the importance of a good friend.
Happy birthday Rod.
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Happy birthday, Rowdy Rod.
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Sorry, everyone, trying to get the audio fixed.
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Happy Birthday Rod.
Also, I have the same electric kettle as in that picture, but prefer Tetley Pomegranate green tea to Red Rose.
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Happy birthday Rod. 40 is the new 38 bud.
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Happy Birthday!
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ah cool. thought it was just me that couldn’t figure out why the link wasn’t working… see you in NYC in march matt…
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For the record Rod if it were in my power I’d get Scarlett Johansson to sing you some Tom Waits for your birthday. SEXIFUL! Instead sushi will just have to do!
Though I’ve not met you I can tell you’re a good man and wish you the best! Have fun on your day friendship is the best gift there is.
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That was lovely.
True friendship at times can seem unattainable. An ideal, just on the cusp of actual reality. Real friendship a myth.
But if we’re lucky enough to catch it and hold it firmly within our grasp, promising never to let it go, life as we know it is worth living.
Happy Birthday, Rod.
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Great post. Happy birthday, Rod!
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The audio is fixed. Happy birthday Rod!
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I remember 40. Enjoy.
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Awesome tune.
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Holy. Smokes. Great. Song.
It makes my heart pound… music’s only worth listening to if it makes you feel when before it was just thin air…
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Loving the songs Matt, I can’t wait to see how the new album shapes up.
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Happy 10th anniversary of your 30th, Rod! Best wishes to you, dude.
I’ll be celebrating mine later this year.
*Credit to Mandy for the 10th anniversary idea. ;-)
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Happy Birthday Rod! :)
And Matt, dude, seriously, how much time do you spend on the “rough demos” of your for them to sound so good…
* wishes he had a Garage Band equivalent for PC’s… *
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Happy Birthday Rod!!!
(And great song Matt! What a birthday present!)
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Roddy …
May your candles burn warmly and brightly,
Your coffee keep you going insanely and sprightly.
May your sandalwood incense create a mystic haze,
And your sweets and chocolate temper any sugar craze!
May your birthday cards be illegible, jumbled messes,
From a well-meaning goof with tangly-brown tresses.
May you witness more years of bitching at TV screens,
When the Canucks’ scoring doesn’t go farther than the Sedins.
May Django cuddle you extra-special today,
Subconsciously milking treats out of you the whole way. *mrow*
May your music continue to light up the Earth,
Those lucky to know you are brightened by your mirth.
May your friends and family celebrate you as you should be,
Sadly, cannons and fireworks are for licensed folk, only.
May you know in your heart, despite the low temperature
There’s a warm Ray of sunshine beaming down on you forever.
–
Love you/Miss you, my amazing friend.
~ Reena
Edit: The audio wasn’t up until after I wrote this … love the song, Matthew.
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Quoting Prosis:
I did that in about, all toll, maybe 8 hours.
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I can feel the love.
Happy birthday Rod.
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Matt, that was beautiful, all of it, write up and song!!
It is very rare to find that kind of friendship!! And I agree, being blessed with one friend in this lifetime is a real amazing thing to have experienced..
Happy Birthday Rod
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8MhpofxMgk
Rolling Stones
Waiting on a Friend
Watching girls go passing by
It aint the latest thing
Im just standing in a doorway
Im just trying to make some sense
Out of these girls go passing by
The tales they tell of men
Im not waiting on a lady
Im just waiting on a friend
A smile relieves a heart that grieves
Remember what I said
Im not waiting on a lady
Im just waiting on a friend
Im just waiting on a friend
Dont need a whore
I dont need no booze
Dont need a virgin priest
But I need someone I can cry to
I need someone to protect
Making love and breaking hearts
It is a game for youth
But Im not waiting on a lady
Im just waiting on a friend
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As usual Matt a wonderful piece of music…
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Happy birthday, Rod.
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Happy Birthday, Rod; should be a good one with friends like Matt =)
Speaking of whom, another great demo! At this rate there’ll be too many to fit on an album =( Hmmm… another B-Sides disc? :D
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happy birthday rod!
great post … so eloquently said.
and love the song!
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Happy Birthday Rod!
And great song Matt!
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Happy b-day Rod! Enjoy the day :)
Matt, what you wrote about your friendship with Rod made my heart smile. Like the new track as well.
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All ready wished you a Happy Birthday on your Facebook page, but I will say it again here. Happy Birthday Rod, hope you have a wonderful day!
Ps. Matt, this song is beautiful, the lyrics are amazing. So much for not picking up a guitar eh? Hope all is going well.. shame ya don’t have Facebook anymore…
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p.s. for Rod’s birthday, can we post some of his finest work? ie. F U, ‘Good’ video?
pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease, pretty pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease…….
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I bet Rod is honored to have his best friend write a song for his birthday. You are a stand up guy, Matt. The song is awesome!!
Happy Birthday Rod!!!!
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Rod is one of the kindest humans I have ever met, and his laugh kicks ass!
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Beautiful, Happy Birthday Rod
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Quoting T-Lee:
I second T’s suggestion! A montage of Uncle Merle.
P.S.
Forgot to mention that the rough demo is a great teaser of more to come!
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Happy Birthday Rod, awesome song Matt. :o)
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Fantastic ode to a friendship. Here’s to many more years that you are a part of each others lives. Happy Birthday Rod.
so is it Vegas road trip for the big 4-0??
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Quoting Eva:
I’m digging as we speak.
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http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/08/the-bruno-plot/
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Many happy returns, Rod.
Today is my second-best friend’s 37th birthday. He’s been through some rough waters lately, but still manages to smile and keep his sights on the beauty life has to offer.
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Beautiful song and beautiful gift to a friend. I am one of those fortunate with a true friend who has been by my side since I was six and a sister who is also a true friend and a beautiful spirit. These are the two truly special people I know and they were both by my side when my Dad was laid to rest five days ago. I wrote Dad a poem and I know he heard it, because words from the heart are always felt . Happy birthday Rod and savour your friendship.
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Yah great song man.
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happy birthday, rod!
that song left me breathless
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Happy Bday Rod.
Irish Toast:
“May the roofs never fall out from above us,
Nor us friends out from below.”
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Quoting T-Lee:
That’s just PRECIOUS!
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Quoting nobody’s nothing:
That’s really wonderful, Reena! Very beautifully written! I hope you’re doing well!
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Happy Birthday, Rod!!!!
**Matt: I like that you included the lyrics with this one.
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Yet another awesome song!
What hardware do you use to interface with garageband Matt?
I’ve been looking around myself for something I can run midi and real instruments through but wanna make sure i get something that will work with GB
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Happy birthday Rod
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What a perfect tribute to an absolutely beautiful friendship.
That entry brought a tear to my eye…
Wishing you a very happy birthday Rod! xo
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Happy 40th, Rod! Have a great birthday and I wish you many, many, many more to come.
Wonderful song, Matt!
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great new song Matt…
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This made me cry.
Everyone needs a best friend like that. Unfortunately mine died in April.
But enough about that.
Cheers to Rod,
I don’t know him, but he seems like one helluva guy. God help the world when you two are on the loose.
ps - your “rough demo” really moved me
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Awesome song. Made my day :-)
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Happy birthday Mr. Bruno !!! You and Rod are totally lucky to have such an amazing friendship. Yup, we definately need another Merle & Jack production. MATT !! I can’t believe how top yourself every time. GREAT tune. Sorry about all the caps. I’m REALLY excited to be hearing this. I also just painted my laundry room the same color as the orange here on the site I just realized !! CHEERS !!! :P
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Happy Birthday Rob! Have a great one!
It amazes me how awesome the demo’s are just from garage band. I have a hard time with a podcast nevermind a whole song. Amazing Matt.
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Quoting Matthew Good:
Now I really wish there was such a software on PC
Great work man!
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Happy Birthday Rod!
And as for the tune: fucking A!
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You’re amazing, Matt!
Happy Birthday Rod!!!
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happy bday!
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yes, happy birthday rod! have a good one!
and so true matt, family and friends, which some would argue to be one in the same are what i believe to be most important in this life! after all is said and done if you have no one to share with then what do you really have?
also great track matt! any chance some of these new demos that have been up and about the site for limited time could make the mp3 download list or possibly the av player?…
gvrd enjoy the snow while its here! drunk toboganing perhaps?..
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A great song and a great guy. Happy birthday Rod!
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Matt, the “oh, nevermind me”s are killer, man, heart breakers for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Happy birthday, Rod. :)
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Hey, thanks a ton for the wonderful birthday wishes everybody.
Pretty amazing guy that young Matty huh?( yes I can call him young as I am now OLD! ) Pretty amazing song he shared today huh? This guy is a giver and one hell of a friend! His sincerity and generosity never ends. Matts one in a million and frankly I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend in this world!
I only hope I can be one tenth of the person Matt so eloquently described in his most generous and touching post. For those who don’t know Matt personally, let this be but a mere glimpse into the kind of man/friend and human being he is. His music is amazing, but the person behind that music is even MORE amazing!
Over the years I have had the privilege of getting to know some of you on a personal level or through the interweb, and I must say - You folks are the salt of the earth! Your compassion towards Matt and myself during times of difficulty has made the difference. I for one am very grateful to have had Matt share you all with me through the web site and through Hospital Music. Nothing beats playing music with your best friend, and nothing beats having the greatest people on the planet digging it.
My most sincere thanks to you all,
Best,
-Rod
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In the picture it looks as though your saying something either really funny or really thoughtful to that bottle of water, it makes me laugh trying to think of what your saying:)
Happy Birthday Rod. I’d say your best birthday gift for every birthday is having a best friend like Matt…..and same for all Matt’s birthdays.
My best friend of 27 years is a singer song writer and recorded me a song called Butterflies. It is the most cherished gift I have ever received, next to her being my best friend.
The universe has granted you both a very special gift of friendship. Enjoy!
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Well Happy Birthday Rod, enjoy the large amounts of time that life still has to offer( seriously man, 40 is nothing these days)
And on another maybe more important note ( not that your birthday isn’t important), I believe we should raise a glass/mug/bottle or whatever it might be and say cheers. Cheers to best friends and the value in life that they bring.
Cheers everyone :)
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A friend of mine passed away last friday and I will be attending the wake tonight… the tears I’ve been trying to hold in and pretending that they did not need to be cried all came out when I heard that song… thank you Matthew…
Happy Birthday Rod and cheers to the people we can truly call best friends.
Edit: I wish there was a way to download or play that song from the AV player Matthew… do you think that that would ever be possible?
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Happy Birthday Rod!
It is rare to find someone in life that you can always count on….who won’t judge you know matter what. Unconditional friendship and love is hard to find.
Wishing you both the best always,
Love from Buffalo,
Michelle
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Ok, I am a little teary…
I’m glad that you two have something so special…
It’s so wonderful to see two people share an amazing friendship like that.
I’ve had the priviledge of occasional conversation with dear Roddy, and he is really an amazing guy.
One of those people who can’t help but leave a smile on your face.
40… hehe I do recall him telling me he was 90, but I’d say he doesn’t look a day over 25 ;)
Have an amazing birthday Roddy!!! :)
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you guys have something really special…
I cant believe i missed the song. O well, next time
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hell of a guitarist, happy birthday rod
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GRR I missed the song too stupid work lol Do one at like 4pm your time that way I can hear it :)
Happy Birthday Rod!
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dammit! missed the song due to procastination.
Happy Birthday Rod!
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That is quite possibly the most beautiful piece I have ever read on this site.
Best wishes to Rod on his birthday.
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Happy Birthday Rod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt, that was a gorgeous collection of words, so true and yet so often understated.
It truly hits home for me at this phase in my life.
(and I missed the song, so dammit)
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Happy birthday Rod. Thank you for being Matt’s rock so he can continue to be ours by inspiring us through the words in his blog and the words in his beautiful music.
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Happy Birthday Rod…take care and have fun.
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happy birthday rod!!! great song matt!! cant wait to see you in cleveland in march!
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You know, I was chatting with my best friend over the weekend, and we have come to realize that, depending on how you count it, we have been best friends for almost 20 years. We either met in kindergarten or day care. We really don’t know as your memories are a little blurred when you’re that young. :)
May your 40th year be a fun one, Mr. Bruno. Matt is a lucky man to have friends like you. *<:)
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happy birthday rod! well put matt, I was let down last year a few times by people that I had thought were trustworthy -only to be left very devastated and not willing to trust for a long time. I generally believe the good in most people but have learned the hard way. I am thankful for the good people in my life. My best friend moved back to canada last year, and now lives much closer, giving me something to be truly thankful for.
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Y’know, lots of guys would just buy their buddy a shot of Jack and a lapdance at the Peeler Palace for their birthday…
This was beautiful. Over the past year, I’ve definitely learned to cherish true friends. It’s during the rough times, the reallyreally rough times, that you find out who they really are, right?
Happy birthday to Rod from a stranger on the other side of the country. :)
(The song… loved it. *sigh*)
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40??? Happy Birthday you old goat!
Now go out and get some before I begin to doubt your manly prowess.
Maggie send her best too
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Ah, happy birthday then! Cheers!
In all seriousness, it sounds as if your friendship goes beyond that word, really. You are both fortunate and what makes it so great, is that you are aware of what you have.
So get out there and have a birthday drink for me, damnit; I’ve got to get up early! ;)
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Happy Birthday Rod!! Great Post Matt!
Rod, Thank you for being there for Matt, he is not the only one that appriciates your friendship!
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Quoting D. Lilly:
Wow, you drive like a maniac in snow, dude. slow down.
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Quoting Eva:
Totally, I think my husband wanted to be his best friend, too, after he saw that…. Matt you so lucky!!!!! I bet you are in stitches every time the boy is present. lol
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Pete sang Happy Birthday to Rod..along with Pappa and I. How do I find the button to push to hear Matt’s new song..any suggestions?
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Quoting angelboo:
Dude…that was awesome! Where was I when this was released…August 30…on vacation, that’s where…dammit I always miss the best stuff! Can I officially say I’ve missed another song? Fucking work…
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angelboo
Quoting D. Lilly:
40??? Happy Birthday you old goat! Now go out and get some before I begin to doubt your manly prowess. Maggie send her best too
“Wow, you drive like a maniac in snow, dude. slow down.”
from t-lee
Quoting Emily Plunkett:
From t-lee
T-Lee your killing me here… well I guess it is my fault for not logging out eh!
By the end of my trip we will remember to check to see who is logged in!! lol
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Quoting egg:
Matt is going to have to play it for you one of these days Eileen..he has already taken it down from the site.. I missed it too!! : (
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Very nice post.
I’ve often said that I could be anywhere, in the shittiest situation even, and if I had my one best friend with me, we’d find some way to laugh about where we were or what nonsense we were up to and everything would be all right.
Happy birthday, Mr. Bruno.
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have a great day man
happy bday
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It always important to take the time to tell your friends they are important.
happy birthday, rod.
any friend of matt’s…
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Missed the B-Day….
Missed the Song….
Well…. here’s a late Happy Birthday Wish…..Rod…
Hope you had a good one…. :)
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lovely year*
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Quoting BB:
Me too….
…Well a belated Happy Birthday Rod. Wow, I bet you couldnt ask for anything better then those words from your BFF….hahaha
Matt, I couldnt of said it better regarding best friends. I believe its an upspoken bond. I am blessed to have a best friend, and everyday I cherish her. For 20 years she has taught me uncondional love when I didnt think I was able to be loved or love anymore. She is why I am the woman I am today. Every morning at 9 am, (if she isnt here) we will call one another whether it being from work, out of town etc,
I still after 20 years anticipate these morning telephone calls. (Which will follow about 10 or so more during the day if we arent together). No matter how I feel, I can count on her to give me that deep belly laugh when it is most needed, a shoulder to cry on, and a firm ground to stand on when everything is spirialing around me out of control. I find myself continously asking “Why cant she be a man”…lol…I never thought I would be able to feel that way about another human being as I do for her, but that is also another thing she has taught me, unconditional love.
How did I get so lucky?
See, its 902 am as I am writing this post, and guess who called. Now is the perfect time to tell her again how much I love her.
Now, I need to her Rod’s birthday song. Come on Matt, post it up again. I am dying here.
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Happy birthday Rod! Hope its a good one for you!
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Happy Birthday Rod!! :)
You are a great part of this website, and obviously a wonderful part of Matt’s life. I’m one of those lucky few people who actually has 2 people that I share that friendship/bond with, so you must be one hell of a guy that someone feels that way about you!!!
Have a great day, and best wishes… :)
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I just realized I didn’t even write Happy Birthday in my initial message.
So there it is.
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I’m just comment 101:
Happiest late birthday Bruno!!
It is so hard to find someone in this life that you feel is worthy of knowing you unconditionably- someone you would give your all and entirety to, knowing that they truly appreciate the gift of your giving and yours in return…
I celebrate not only your birthday, but your unfailing faithful friendship to eachother. I am so fortunate to have only one person in my life to share that with and i have only known her for a few years and she lives 1500 miles away, but she is my angel unconditionably. Cheers to you both and the many great years, good and bad, you will endure in the future..
When you can adeventure this great life with someone and enjoy and fail in all it has to offer it is something truly wonderful…
Love the next 40:0)
Lyndsey
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Awesome!!!
Best friends are awesome.
Those you can call at any hour. To shoot the shit. Have a laugh. Share a story.
Happy Birthday.
Enjoy to the both of you!!!
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Happy 40th Rod!
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You did grant his wish, in a way…you thought it and you wished it for him. The fact that you care so much is more than most people can ever wish for. He has the best thing he can have, you, as a friend that loves him so much you would give anything to grant him what he wished for.
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Quoting egg:
you’re so cute….
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Spot on, Matt. I haven’t been so fortunate to find one such friendship yet. In the past I have thought that I have, but those friendships have all unfortunately drifted away. Here’s hoping for longevity for you and Rod, and happy belated birthday wishes.