At around 4:30 pm of the 13th of April 2022 you left us, Dad. Friends and people who knew you, when they were informed about your death, were in shock. I clearly remember the dates related to the last vortex of your earthly journey. 30th of January, we got the diagnosis which left us no hope and our world shuttered. 15th of February, the results of the gastroscopy confirmed the gravity of the cancer. 11th of March, you caught Covid and this did not allow you to start the medical treatment. 30th of March, you were taken into the hospital. I flew from Edinburgh on the 8th of April and I saw you on the 10th and the 12th (at that time, the Covid’s protocol in Italy allowed only one member of the family at a time, one hour per day). I remember your expression when I popped into your room, you repeatedly said : “What a lovely surprise!”

I don’t have any regrets but it was SO overwhelming to see your pain and to accept that there was nothing we could do to help, apart from being there and praying. April 13th to me is a day to open up to life, to celebrate your life and to remember all the good things and moments you have experienced. You have lived, dad, and I know that you are alive even now. You are in our hearts and thoughts. You loved us, you were loved and now you are love.