Thanks to François and my daily friends
My sincere thanks also go to François Didden. His friendship, attention and support have meant a great deal to me. Although his photograph could not be included in this edition, his name belongs here fully and warmly.
I would also especially like to thank my daily friends Claudio from Naples, Kosta from Greece, José from Spain and Corinto. Our coffees, conversations and walks bring colour to my days. Different countries and life stories brought us together; true friendship knows no borders.
I think of my aunt Ida, Medardo Maseroli, Jules and Alphonsine, Kevin Umé, Louis Ouwerkerk and Alberto Pastorelli. At a decisive moment, each gave me trust, friendship or an opportunity. I also think of Davide, Lutgart, Agostino, Gilbert, Maria, Jimmy, Vittorina, Giulia, Massimo, Ludo and Tony. Behind every name lives a story I keep in my heart.
And there are so many others: relatives, friends, colleagues, employees, customers, suppliers, neighbours, people from De Lindeman and people I met on my travels. Some stayed for years; others were part of my life only briefly. Yet even a short encounter can leave a lasting trace. If I have not named someone, it never means that person mattered less.
Everyone makes mistakes during a long life. So have I. Perhaps I did not always listen enough, worked too much, trusted too easily or said too little about how much someone meant to me. If I hurt anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, I sincerely ask forgiveness. Not because I have ever been perfect, but because I have always tried to live honestly.
I also want to thank you, the reader. You followed me along roads stretching back almost eighty years. Perhaps some pages reminded you of your own father or mother, a child, a friend or someone you miss. If my memories touched yours for a moment, this book achieved something greater than my story alone.
A life becomes special not because of what a person owns or how much they achieve. It becomes special through the people with whom they have been fortunate enough to share it. Without my parents, no beginning. Without Dorina, no family. Without Marco and Michael, not the same love and lessons. Without my grandchildren, not the same hope. Without my brothers, family and friends, not the same roots and memories.
That is why, in the end, this book could have only one title: My Life - In the Name of All My Loved Ones. It bears my name, but also belongs a little to everyone who shared part of their life with mine. So I place this final page in your hands, with humility, gratitude and above all love. In the name of all my loved ones.