Four buddies, Ben, Todd, Willie, and Karl, agreed to meet in Santa Monica Beach 40 years after graduating from high school. On June 11, 2017, three of them arrived, but Karl was absent.
The friends reminisced about their youth, but their happiness turned to concern when Karl did not appear. Karl had left a note on the bench that read, “I’m not coming. “I love you, pals. — Karl.” This message perplexed them, prompting a visit with Karl’s nephew, Andrew, who described Karl’s difficulties.
Karl lied about his accomplishments. He sustained a spinal injury, lost his work, and experienced financial troubles. Despite his tribulations, he kept the truth from his pals out of shame.
Ben, Todd, and Willie headed to Spain to find Karl. They spotted him living humbly and with a crutch. Karl, overcome with emotion, expressed his troubles. His buddies, despite being upset at his secrecy, instantly decided to help him.
“Pack your bags,” Willie urged. “We’re taking you to Los Angeles and then to Mexico for a new start.” The pals agreed to meet each year and keep no more secrets. Reunited, they spent a few happy days in Spain before returning home, prepared to face the future together.
**Lessons:**
– True friends share joys and sorrows.
– Unconditional love motivates us to go to extraordinary lengths for those we care about.
