We missed each other terribly. Video calls were wonderful, games on WhatsApp were fun, all those initiatives kept us connected. But nothing could replace being together in person. We suffered through the separation, but we tried to support each other. The moment it became possible, we pushed past our doubts and hesitations. A small group of us decided to meet.
We took every precaution: masks, social distance, and then—wow, what a sight! We couldn't kiss or embrace (not yet), so we greeted each other with a quick elbow bump. We talked and talked and talked. We smiled. Our faces lit up (even behind the masks), and our eyes sparkled with joy. Those radiant glances filled some of the emptiness that had built up over so many months apart. The emotion, the happiness—it was overwhelming to see so many friends again. A few of us shed tears. Our dream had come true: we had organized it, overcome our doubts, and pulled it off. Mission accomplished.
We managed our first meeting on June 21st, a Sunday afternoon, gathering in the piazza at Cesano Boscone, then heading to an ice cream shop to sit at a table, as the rules required. The emotion, the stories we shared! It was a real reunion. We were few at first, but that was perfect for testing the waters and figuring out how we'd manage for future outings.
When we said goodbye, we told each other, "We have to get together again soon"—and boom, just like that, by the end of the week we'd organized an aperitivo for the following Saturday. We tried to get more friends from the group to join. This time there were more of us. Once we knew how many were coming, Nives stopped by the bar to make a reservation and give them the headcount, so the bartender could arrange the tables with proper spacing and all the right precautions.
Saturday arrived. Six o'clock—aperitivo hour—and there we were again in the piazza at Cesano Boscone. What a treat! So much laughter, chatter, elbow greetings... no hugs or kisses yet, but we're holding on, hoping to bring back those old ways of greeting soon.
The bartender was waiting for us and called us over because we were running late (the famous Messengers of Joy schedule—punctuality isn't our strong suit), and we settled in at our tables, respecting all the guidelines. Between a Crodino, a tramezzino, chips, and snacks... what wonderful company. When you're with people you love, time just disappears.
Some friends didn't come to these first gatherings because they're still hesitant and want to wait a bit longer. I respect their choice, and we'll all reconnect soon enough. We all needed this boost. Thank you to everyone, and see you at our next gathering, together as we've always been.
We'll make it through this—together we have to. United but apart, yet always close.
(Flora Atlante and Nives Carioni - Messengers of Joy community - Cesano Boscone - Milan)