There exist junctures when existence halts, frozen between suffering and quietude. For Gino Cecchettin, that instant arrived on November 11, 2023, when his daughter Giulia was slain by her former beau, Filippo Turetta, condemned to lifelong detention. But yesterday, at Palazzo Marino, Milan, he recounted how that profound anguish has evolved into the impetus to recommence existence, bit by bit, and to metamorphose into tangible dedication via the Association consecrated to her memory, and which emerged merely a year prior.
«I don’t desire to linger on the emptiness engendered by the passing of my daughter Giulia, my spouse Monica, my mother Carla. When it transpires, your realm is no longer akin. You are no longer identical. You feel inadequate. You feel judged. Eternally, continually, notwithstanding. Numerous elements forfeit significance. Even Existence relinquishes worth. You contemplate if you truly need to undergo it» He penned in a missive recited before the assembly.
Yet, precisely within that hush and within that contemplation, Gino unearthed an expanse where existence could burgeon. Minute everyday actions, which appear inconsequential, have assumed considerable importance: Rejoining the dance floor, his grand ardor, jesting with his offspring Elena and Davide, and reveling in the fondness of a novel companion.
But even these deeds of regularity clash with the assessment of others: «You appear to be disallowed from permitting yourself to grin any longer. To be disallowed from permitting yourself to fantasize. To no longer be permitted bliss. You appear to be compelled to dwell in perpetual bereavement. You cannot venture shopping without perceiving an intrusive gaze upon you. You cannot adopt a stance on anything without being misconstrued. You cannot substitute the vehicle, alter the abode. You cannot operate as formerly. You cannot procure a blossom without witnessing an unfamiliar visage: “It is not a graveyard bloom”. You cannot jest. You cannot patronize the eatery. You cannot grasp the hand of a novel partner. You cannot frolic without sensing a critical verdict ». They are stereotypes that burden, but Gino Cecchettin has resolved to shatter them, opting to fully experience each day. Also because Those stereotypes are “the selfsame that, when they turn into dominion, nurture brutality”.
“I am alive. I adore existence. Contemplation and quietude aided me. If your affliction morphs into affection, there is naught further to dread. When you are authentic, you are emancipated. Marvellously emancipated to consecrate your existence ». From this conviction sprang the Giulia Cecchettin Association, with its schemes in the locale and endeavors to cultivate a ethos of respect
The course was not straightforward. There were epochs when lamentation, longing and solitude prevailed. But there have also been areas of delight and appreciation: «Reflection has permitted my heart to surmise numerous elements and venerate this existence of mine who, despite everything, merits being undergone. Silence has fashioned, precisely within the confines of numerous conflicting sentiments, a zone of serenity, a secure haven, a locus of intimacy and mirth: The fitting abode for Giulia, for Monica and Carla. They reside within me ».
Twelve months of initiatives with the Association, endeavors and backing in the vicinity do not signify a destination, but the inception of a voyage: «Our dedication does not cease there. Why, To avert that there are additional sufferers of brutality, we must construct a distinct society collectively: more righteous, more cognizant, more apt to cherish. And when we can assist even one of them to attain total liberty,” concluded Gino, “then we will be more unfettered, and perhaps a smidge more humane “.
