To all my loved ones
When I began this book, I thought I would simply tell my own story. Today, I realise it was never mine alone. No life is written by just one person. We are shaped by those who love us, help us, place their trust in us and sometimes put us to the test.
That is why I want to dedicate these final pages to everyone who, in their own way, has written a page of my life. First, I think of my parents. My father Antonio left his native country and went down into the Belgian mines to give his children a future. Through her gentleness, simplicity and devotion, my mother Guglielmina taught me the meaning of unconditional love. Everything they gave me still lives within me.
I think of my brothers Remo, Mario, Carmine and Maurizio. We laughed and suffered together and had our differences, but we also built memories no one can take away. Mario, who left us too soon, remains one of the warmest and kindest people I have known. And I think of my little sister Lidiola. Her life was brief, but her name and her place have always remained within our family.
My deepest gratitude goes to Dorina. Together, we have travelled through almost an entire lifetime. We built a family, knew beautiful years and carried together what was almost impossible to bear. We did not always experience sorrow in the same way or find the same words. Yet we remain connected by a history no one can take from us. Thank you, Dorina, for our two sons and for everything we built and carried together.
Marco, no words can fully describe what you meant to me. You were my son, my friend, my colleague, my travelling companion and my confidant. We worked, dreamed, travelled, argued and laughed. I want people to know not only how your life ended, but above all who you were: a curious boy, a proud father and a man who continued to believe in new possibilities. Death ended your life, but not my love for you.
Michael, you too have a unique and irreplaceable place in my heart. You never had to resemble your brother or follow my path. You chose your own life, found your place in aviation and became the father of Helena and Andreas. In recent years, our bond became deeper and more sincere. Thank you for our conversations, your closeness and the new memories we make together. I am proud of the man and father you have become.
To Tina, the mother of Chiara and Laura, and to everyone who helped bring warmth and connection back into our family after difficult years: you too belong to this story. Life does not always follow the path we would have chosen. Sometimes reconciliation only becomes possible when we learn to look without denying the past.
My love goes to my four grandchildren: Chiara, Laura, Helena and Andreas. Each of you has a place of your own in my heart. You do not have to relive the dreams of an earlier generation. Make your own choices, mistakes and dreams. I only hope you will feel, between these words, how much love and sacrifice preceded your own story.
When we come together as a family, Marco's name need not be left unspoken. We may tell stories, laugh about him and miss him. Remembering then becomes more than sorrow. It also becomes warmth, connection and a quiet way of keeping someone with us.
A special thank-you goes to Cristina. You were a dear friend of Marco's and later became a daughter of the heart to me. Even after he left us, you remained present and continued lovingly to preserve his memory. For that, I will always be grateful to you.