These 4 words hit me so damn hard

So my kid’s pediatrician was also their mom’s. He and his family also are very close to the family. I’ve been taking my 2.5yo to him since birth and also my 15mo. I took my oldest in the other day for an evaluation, seemed to have early flu signs. We exchanged small talk during the visit. At the end he said, “I’ve been doing this for over 40 years and have gotten to know a lot of parents, you’re a good dad.”, then walked out of the room. I broke down right then n there. Nobody has ever said that to me and I just don’t understand how that got me. Thankfully my kiddo was playing with some toys and didn’t see. But just don’t get how that hit me so hard. Has this ever happened to any other dads out there?