My friend & I eat terrible fast-food tacos every Christmas. It’s one of our most special traditions.
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In an era of fleeting connections and social media overload, it is rare to find a friendship that withstands the test of time. However, one heartwarming story of friendship has emerged, defying the odds and reminding us all of the beauty of lasting relationships.
For over four decades, Tom and Brent have celebrated their friendship in a unique way. Every Christmas Day, long after their families have retired for the night, the two friends venture out for a walk. What started as a simple conversation about their Christmas gifts in kindergarten has blossomed into an annual tradition that has endured through the years.
The significance of this tradition cannot be understated. It serves as a testament to the bond between Tom and Brent, an unbreakable connection that has stood strong through the ups and downs of life. As they stroll through the familiar streets, their conversation has evolved from childhood toys to deeper discussions about life, love, and everything in between.
But what makes this friendship truly remarkable is their annual stop at a local Jack in the Box restaurant. This fast-food joint, open when all other establishments are closed on Christmas Day Eve, has become an integral part of their tradition. The indulgence in deep-fried tacos may seem ironic, given their unappealing taste, but for Tom and Brent, it represents something far more profound – a celebration of their enduring friendship.
However, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. In 2017, Brent and his husband embarked on a journey as digital nomads, traveling the world and immersing themselves in new cultures. While they have managed to make it home for Christmas a few times, there have been instances where they found themselves oceans away from their loved ones.
This year is no exception. Brent and his husband find themselves on a Christmas cruise from Sydney to New Zealand, far from their friends and family. Despite the distance, the power of technology allows Brent to stay connected with Tom. Through live-streaming, he can still be a part of their cherished tradition, even if he cannot physically be there.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Brent reflects on his initial fears of loneliness when he embarked on his nomadic lifestyle. Contrary to his expectations, he found that making friends and forming connections outside of America was surprisingly easy. The shared experience of being uprooted from familiar surroundings created a sense of receptiveness among fellow travelers and locals alike.
Even more surprisingly, Brent discovered that his existing friendships back home grew stronger as a result of his nomadic lifestyle. Distance and time zones no longer posed a barrier; instead, they became an opportunity to cherish these relationships even more. The absence of physical presence only served to reinforce the importance of these friendships, reminding Brent not to take them for granted.
The profound impact of friendship is further underscored by the recent passing of Brent’s father. As he reflects on his father’s life, Brent realizes the fleeting nature of time. He vividly remembers his parents’ vibrant and active mid-fifties, a time when they embraced their freedom and embarked on adventures around the world. Now, at the same age, Brent is reminded that life is a series of choices, and one must savor every moment.
As Brent looks ahead to the future, he acknowledges that life is unpredictable. In forty years’ time, if fate allows, he hopes to share another late-night Jack in the Box taco with his dear friend Tom. But regardless of what the future holds, he is acutely aware that time is limited, and every moment should be savored.
This Christmas, let us all take a moment to appreciate the precious relationships in our lives. Just like those greasy Jack in the Box tacos, they may not always be perfect, but they are beautiful in their own way. Cherish the friendships that have stood the test of time, and savor every bite of life’s imperfect but precious moments.
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“terrible fast-food tacos”
