Memories have magical power.

They reconnect us to the past. They manage to make us relive wonderful emotions. They transform absence into presence. It is with this state of mind that I wish to dedicate this 10th of June to my beloved Ranieri. A date that in recent years I did not want to celebrate anymore. But then something transformed that sadness and anger, as if by magic, into inner peace.

Our birthday this year will be completely different. I promised it to myself and to Ranieri. It will be a day dedicated to beauty and all those things that my twin brother loved: uncontaminated nature, the infinite sky, the sea, the stars, music and silence. Even though I wish I could look at him in the eyes and wish him the best, in my heart today he is more alive than ever.

Celebrating far away, but feeling very close.

Our birthday has always been very special. Not being able to spend it together, because he was in London and I was in Rome, we were used to celebrate it at a distance, wishing the best to each other twice, following the local time zone. Punctually, the first phone call came from Ranieri, one hour later I was calling him!

A funny habit, which we replicated at every celebration. I like to call it “the magic of twins” because everything was celebrated and multiplied “by two”.

My greatest wish is to continue celebrating every moment lived together.

Every time Ra and I were together, we felt like we were living in a bubble, surrounded by an atmosphere of euphoria. Even if we didn’t do anything special, everything was extraordinary for us. A walk through the streets of the city center. A trip to the sea. A spritz sitting at a table.

Among all the wonderful moments we shared, my memory goes to the only birthday we celebrated next to each other. A toast at sunset. Our footprints in the sand. Ranieri who dives and disappears into the immense blue sea.

This weekend I just want to share joy and hope.  

Ranieri loved the sea, the gentle touches of the waves and the infinite shades of blue. When he swam he looked like a beautiful dolphin. Light, carefree and free.

Its essence and existence is contained in these sweet sensations.  An indissoluble presence that I want to share with those who want to immerse themselves with me, in its beauty, poetry and art through the photos of a fantastic life spent together.

Happy birthday Ra, today is your RAday!