.066 Zack Tarro

It’s the middle of November, 2013, and I’m by myself at an In-N-Out in San Diego, California the night before I give my TEDx talk about my gratitude project. The table next to me had a couple of guys, one of which I strike up a conversation with. His name is Zack. He wishes me luck on my talk, and that’s that. Well, here we are seven years later, and Zack is still a dear friend of mine, all thanks to his curiosity, kindness, and genuine compassion.

Zack stands out to me in this crazy thing called life because of his truly sweet and calming personality. When you have a conversation with him, he listens and smiles, because he cares. He’s modest and humble, smart and ambitious, patient and wise. Every time I’m around him I feel this sense of safety and comfort. He radiates that sense of strength and presence and it just gives you a wonderful feeling that you’re around a fantastic and special human being.

Zack, thank you so much for being a rose in a world that feels more and more like it’s filled with thorns. Thank you for always having my back, for listening, for caring so much, and for sticking around through ups and downs. Thank you for your peaceful and gentle disposition, and for making me laugh and smile whenever we’re around each other. Thank you for your intelligence and drive, both of which are taking you and will continue to take you so so far. I’m very, very grateful that we met that random evening, and I’m even more grateful (and excited) that I get to thank you as part of this 2.0 version of the project. You’re a beautiful person, and the world is lucky to have you. Thank you for being all that you are.

-BD