Dec 26, 2023·edited Dec 26, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger
Forever friends are the best kind. You don't even have to be with them to know there will always be that 'forever' part.
Loved this, Brent, and if we had a Jack in the Box around here I'd have to try those terrible tacos.
When Ed I moved to California in 1956 he introduced me to tacos at a taco wagon on the beach at Corona del Mar. (He had been stationed there when he was in the Marines) It dripped grease and the tortilla crumbled and fell apart, and it tasted like nothing I'd ever had before. It was instant lust for those things. I still dream about them.
Brent, as you know it's been a tough Christmas for me, for similar reasons. I am remembering how hard it hit me going to your dad's funeral earlier this year, and this Christmas I took some extra time to visit with a family friend who is in his 90s and his memory is still very sharp. Thank you for this beautiful post and for the hope and beauty that it has given me. As I said in private messages earlier when I first started reading it I couldn't get very far without crying so I had to wait a while to read the whole thing for real. Thank you so much my wonderful friend!
Lovely story, Brent, on the joy of old friendships and of making new friends wherever life takes you. After COVID, and all the miseries of the past few years that have disrupted personal connections, this is such a warm and helpful message. All best to you and Michael for 2024. I hope our paths cross one day.
I'm with Gayla. I know they're not good for me but I do love those greasy things! Every once in awhile I pull up to the drive through and order two! They're gone by the time I get home and my husband is none the wiser!
So few things endure the way your friendship with Tom has…and the deliciously gross Jack in the Box taco! Thanks for sharing these lovely thoughts.
I’m genuinely curious about something: why do you say “Christmas Day Eve” rather than “Christmas Eve”? I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard it called that before.
I love those "terrible" tacos and the greasier the better. One of my goals for next year is to do things that allow me to make more friends. This is so difficult for me and my introverted heart, but now that I'm retired, I have no excuse not to focus on what brings me joy. Happy New Year, Brent and Michael!!
The beauty of childhood friendships! I just reconnected with my bestie from 45 years ago. We never liked the same movie stars or books but were still best friends. Can't wait to find out if we are still as different and our time together as magical
This was a great and very relatable story about life as a nomad and lifelong friends. And, ironically, when I was pregnant 30 years ago, all I craved for months was Jack in the Box tacos and Chef Boyardee canned raviolis. Must have been the processed meat. Wouldn’t touch them now, but have great memories of them and that time. And my daughter has been a vegetarian for years 😉
Excellent tribute to your friend and making every day count. We only have so many days on this earth. Start each day with the intention to make that day the best you can,each an everyday.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing these special moments and memories with us. I’m past the age to be a nomad, but I’m with you in spirit, cheering you on your travels!
Forever friends are the best kind. You don't even have to be with them to know there will always be that 'forever' part.
Loved this, Brent, and if we had a Jack in the Box around here I'd have to try those terrible tacos.
When Ed I moved to California in 1956 he introduced me to tacos at a taco wagon on the beach at Corona del Mar. (He had been stationed there when he was in the Marines) It dripped grease and the tortilla crumbled and fell apart, and it tasted like nothing I'd ever had before. It was instant lust for those things. I still dream about them.
Oh those sound good. These are nothing like that! 🤣🤣🤣
You're right about such friends. 🙂
Brent, as you know it's been a tough Christmas for me, for similar reasons. I am remembering how hard it hit me going to your dad's funeral earlier this year, and this Christmas I took some extra time to visit with a family friend who is in his 90s and his memory is still very sharp. Thank you for this beautiful post and for the hope and beauty that it has given me. As I said in private messages earlier when I first started reading it I couldn't get very far without crying so I had to wait a while to read the whole thing for real. Thank you so much my wonderful friend!
You are very welcome, my friend. ❤️❤️❤️
Lovely story, Brent, on the joy of old friendships and of making new friends wherever life takes you. After COVID, and all the miseries of the past few years that have disrupted personal connections, this is such a warm and helpful message. All best to you and Michael for 2024. I hope our paths cross one day.
Thank you. And I am certain they shall cross! 🙂❤️
I'm with Gayla. I know they're not good for me but I do love those greasy things! Every once in awhile I pull up to the drive through and order two! They're gone by the time I get home and my husband is none the wiser!
Fair enough! 🙂🤣
Ohh, this line: "whatever you choose, you don’t get to keep it for long." At midlife, this has been hitting me all year.
But on a lighter note, Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, Good New Year ... whatever you celebrate!
Thank you! And same to you ❤️
Great column.
Thank you 🙂
So few things endure the way your friendship with Tom has…and the deliciously gross Jack in the Box taco! Thanks for sharing these lovely thoughts.
I’m genuinely curious about something: why do you say “Christmas Day Eve” rather than “Christmas Eve”? I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard it called that before.
Oh! Christmas Day Eve is the evening if Christmas Day (not Christmas Eve). I think I made this up years ago.. 🤔
Oh I see now…thank you!
I love those "terrible" tacos and the greasier the better. One of my goals for next year is to do things that allow me to make more friends. This is so difficult for me and my introverted heart, but now that I'm retired, I have no excuse not to focus on what brings me joy. Happy New Year, Brent and Michael!!
Thank you! And same to you...
And that is a lovely resolution
The beauty of childhood friendships! I just reconnected with my bestie from 45 years ago. We never liked the same movie stars or books but were still best friends. Can't wait to find out if we are still as different and our time together as magical
Oh that's beautiful. ❤️
This was a great and very relatable story about life as a nomad and lifelong friends. And, ironically, when I was pregnant 30 years ago, all I craved for months was Jack in the Box tacos and Chef Boyardee canned raviolis. Must have been the processed meat. Wouldn’t touch them now, but have great memories of them and that time. And my daughter has been a vegetarian for years 😉
Lol. And I think we know why!
Such a great reminder for us sll. Merry Christmas!
For us *all*
Lol
Thank you 🙂
Well said. Best to you and Michael in the new year.
And same to you!
Goodness gracious, this hit hard. Thank you for this lovely piece of writing, Brent. Words to take to heart. Hope y’all are enjoying the cruise!
❤️❤️❤️
Great reminders! Thank you!
Thank you 🙂
Excellent tribute to your friend and making every day count. We only have so many days on this earth. Start each day with the intention to make that day the best you can,each an everyday.
Thank you! And you are very correct. 😍
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing these special moments and memories with us. I’m past the age to be a nomad, but I’m with you in spirit, cheering you on your travels!
Thank you again for sharing.
Happy New Year!🎆
Thank you! And a great new year to you too! ❤️