Mugshot: Doug.

This is Doug. We're the only two "originals" left at the cafe since it opened 5 years ago. He has "his" stool, and I have "my" table that are all but engraved with our initials. He knows even more people in Atwater than I do, and has encouraged and advised probably thousands of people waiting for their drinks. We discovered that we're both from Western Pennsylvania, and the connection quickly grew from there. He has been more involved in my life & Noah's than almost anyone else in Los Angeles and continues to be a source of generosity and an example of other-centered living.

From the time Noah was born, Doug has taken Noah (and me) under his wing, sharing his bananas and croissants; enabling gymnastics classes and COMING to watch him on the trampoline; teaching him how to type on the computer; buying him Superman accessories; taking him out for his birthday; babysitting with his lovely wife, Linda, on Saturdays; having us over for dinner on Christmas Eve; showing him how to swim; giving us appliances; hiring me for odd jobs; clipping out job articles for me; showing up to community events I produced; bringing Noah souvenirs from his vacations; not to mention all the weekly high-5s, how-ya-doings, and conversations about politics, religion, & parenting.

We love you, Doug & Linda. Thank you for being part of our lives!