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Steve Bucci's avatar

my group is a breakfast bunch. it is the highlight of my week. for an houror so we are transported to another time and place. redentlyone of our group fell ill with cancer and couldn't come to the restaurant. we brought all the food to his home and made breakfast for him and his wife. he got reconnected, she got a break and we had a great time. its what friends do. great article Ed!

Steve

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Beautiful story, Steve. Thanks for sharing. The highlight of the week for sure. It's so interesting that so many feel those hours transport us to another time. Simone Signoret wrote a book, "Nostalgia Isn't What It Used To Be." I disagree.

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Pisano , Paul J.'s avatar

Ed,

What a perfect piece to start off a new week. Your description of long time friends at lunch is so therapeutic for people our age and your describing the interaction of the group is real.

I am so fortunate to have three groups of long time friends that that I have the privilege to engage in lunch gatherings or at breakfast where the problems of the world or life in general are discussed without any judgment or recriminations.

One group meets weekly at lunch every Friday. An eclectic group of ROMEOS (retired old men eating out) whose backgrounds are as varied as can be, but have been friends for many years.

We all have the same aches and pains, the same values and most importantly the same need to be able to talk, meet and mingle with our peers. As I said, it is therapeutic. We all need it.

Carol talks the same way as Diane. It’s hard to explain the good feeling that exists after the experience.

Sorry to have gone on and on, but you struck a chord.

Paul

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Excellent, Paul. Thanks for your beautifully written comments. Yes, we are lucky to share these experiences isolated from the world during these moments.

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Werner Loell's avatar

We all need to "strike a cord" every day as time fleets rapidly ever quicker as time grows and count our blessings to have friends.

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Marilyn McKenna's avatar

'Your story reminds me of my brother's lunches with his 'long-time' friends. There's no substitute for face-to-face conversations, he'd say except you have to make sure your best friend is sitting on the side of your 'good ear' so you actually can hear what he's saying. Also, is there any chance you could share the name of the restaurant that serves the affogato? My brother and I would love to partake of the gelato drizzled with espresso.

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

That's very funny, Marilyn, and so true. I see many heads turning in our conversations, and I hear many a, " I didn't getrcha." Thank your brother for reminding me.

Affogato. Any italian restaurant will make it. I get mine at any restaurant on Federal Hill. Enjoy.

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Werner Loell's avatar

Tsk, tsk, Ed. I never had one, and now I am too conscious to try one—well, cholesterol, glucose, ingredients, unknown flavorings. I know. Enjoy while you can, right? However, as long as moderation is exercised, it can lift the spirits, huh?

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Werner Loell's avatar

OMG, what fortune to be able to partake still? There comes a time when these things become rare and often enjoyed with a guilt complex as age takes its toll. Yes, unfortunately.. Of course, if you reach 95 or older, want is there to stop you from enjoying such delights. You earned it.

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John C. Yuill's avatar

Ed, How very true. When we were young we thought we'd live forever plus we were so busy with making a living we had little time to live it.

Now, with time and the windom of life experiences we can truly enjoy our long time friends as never before. What a blessing that is. JC YUILL

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

I so agree, John. Blessings indeed. Noteworthy at that.

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Peter Voccio JR.'s avatar

Ed, congrats to you for keeping your friendships with friends from the past that can understand and share the history of yesteryear.

The odometer just turned for me May 1st and it said next you can't put an 8 in front next birthday. I went to many lunches up until a few years ago and we would chat away about the good old days and wondered where our youth went. Sadly, I have lost two of those friends and father time is slowly becoming my King. I stay active with some new friends and share to some degree what we did in our lifetime and chat about our grandchildren and current events.

Ed, if we could be born old and grow young. aah!

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Yes, our worlds are shrinking, Peter. But what we have must remain noteworthy, notable, unique and respected. Thanks for your comments.

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Dave Duffy's avatar

Wonderful capture of our 30-year plus gathering (and probably others that you enjoy. But you didn't mention "the health report!))

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Some things need to be left for another time, my friend. And most who read this realize that the health report is on every luncheon agenda. Favorite medication? Metamucil by far.

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Werner Loell's avatar

Ah, yes. I recall days with friends, more like co-workers on a mission to deliver to the customer on time, to certified quality and reliability requirements signed by our teams. Those were the days of long ago on The Apollo Program, a work environment not to be repeated. Those friends are gone now and, sadly, suffering from AD. Another set of friends from grammar school days, not in a state to recall who I am but only occasionally breaking through to connect. Then, more recent friends who unfortunately passed much too early in my view due to work pressures in a politically charged environment.. But enough of that, it is gratifying to have friends along the journey who will hopefully be there to the end. We often forget that there is an ending. So, bless you, Ed, and your friends for enjoying your camaraderie. May it last forever.

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Gratifying to have friends

Indeed!

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Roger Ashley's avatar

Thanks again, Ed. Another story that I can closely relate to. We used to have the URI University Club for lunches with retired professors ( until the university thoughtlessly closed it) what wonderful relationships it engendered. Remnants of the group now met biweekly at the local bowling alley cafeteria. Such relationships are so vital.

Thanks again, Roger Ashley

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Vital indeed, Roger. And to cherish. The "ring" of having a University Club on campus seems so important, near critical, for faculty. I'm surprised it is gone. Well, at least you meet.

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tesr's avatar

awesome

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you.

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tesr's avatar

awesome.!

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you!

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Gus Cordeiro's avatar

Hi Ed, I love this story very much. You’ve captured the same spirit my long term friends and I enjoy as well. So special, and you nailed it. The detail was great. Thank you for such a great read.

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you, Gus. I'm pleased I got into your lunch group. So nice to hear from you.

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Josie tavone's avatar

Amen😊

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Marilyn Pellini's avatar

I did not realize it until you said it: my world is shrinking. Such a memorable story. Marilyn

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Thank you, Marilyn. Carpe diem is trite perhaps but . . .

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Ed DeMatteis's avatar

Comments that are so true and, unfortunately, disappearing.

Today, everything is “oneness”…..cell phones, hand held, etc. I never see kids walking with other kids with a call and bat..It is a shame…..

Be well….

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

I love to look at the people across the table and talk with them.

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Michael Montigny's avatar

Hi Ed

One of your best stories. I related to every word especially when our discussions at breakfast, lunch or dinner are about our aging bodies , our new ailments and medications,and how we still have a great sense of humor and wonderful memories of our achievements and friendships.

Thank you my friend

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Ed Iannuccilli's avatar

Special can be an overused word, Mike. Let's say the 'gatherings' are noteworthy and singular.

Thanks for your comments.

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