The most famous Rat Pack of all time, most 50 plus males would agree, consisted of Frank (Sinatra), Dean (Martin), Sammy (Davis, Jr.), Peter (Lawford) and Joey (Bishop). They epitomized true friends who lived life to the fullest and “had each other’s backs” at the slightest hint of trouble. They formed a tight-knit social unit, as best friends should; and while each man may have had many other individually cherished friendships, entry into the Pack was denied to anyone but the five of them.
While the original Rat Pack have all unfortunately passed on, the concept of the Rat Pack has continued to provide the 50 plus male the core of what each of us may consider our most important social circle outside of immediate family. Whenever I am asked how life has blessed me, my best friendships, all of which are at least 35 years in duration, are near the top of my list. My Rat Pack is both home grown (I live in a suburb of Philadelphia) and college-based (from my years as a student at Boston University). My guys have been here in a heartbeat, for both good times and bad, as I have for them.
My intent, by the way, is not to slight any of our wives for some perceived lack of support, but sometimes a guy just needs to speak with “one of the boys” depending on the topic or task at hand…I know women can function the same way too, but male Rat Packs are different than our female counterparts in some crucial ways. The most obvious, in my opinion, (oh boy am I going to draw some heat for this!) is that men are more quickly forgiving to their Rat Pack brothers for any slight; we just don’t hold grudges because that’s not part of our code.
As we progress through 50 plus years of age, these friendships seem to grow in importance. I don’t take them for granted, as I sometimes did in my earlier years. We no longer think of ourselves as invincible, not when other family members, friends, and classmates sadly are no longer with us. Personally speaking, mere words cannot due justice to the high regard and “love” I have for my guys, and if they ever need me, I’m right here.
-Neal
Your comments about the Rat PAck as we enter our 50′s is dead on. I personally begin to feel a sense of history and a bit of being overwhelmed and pride when I realize that these “guys” have now been my friends for anywhere for 35-45 years and know me better than anyone else. And yes in some instances that may include my wife. It’s nice to know that there will always be someone that has your back when needed. Good topic!
Those were the days of entertainment. No one compares today. Keep up the terrific articles. They are very enjoyable to read, even though I am a lady !