The pages of life are written, each with his own pen, each with what is before his eyes. On May 16, 2023, a large portion of Cesena was submerged by the flood of the Savio river and scarred by the many landslides that battered our hills. But May 16, 2023 wasn’t just that. In the pouring rain, a mother and father were racing by car towards the Bufalini hospital, sharing one of the most beautiful moments of their lives. At 11.36pm on 16 May 2023, Brando was born in the delivery room tub, the second son of Linda Poeta and Valerio Tommasini Trevisani, who was welcomed by all the love of his parents and a fact: every one of his birthdays will be in a anniversary impossible to forget for our community. The moment to place the first candle on the cake is approaching and so mum and dad have decided to ensure that the joy of a special day extends far beyond their home. Brando will celebrate his first birthday at Cucine Popolari in Cesena, the reality that welcomes many people around its tables every day without asking them to pay the bill, but rather inviting them to share with others the moment of a meal served with the aim of unite. And which are now back to full capacity after being submerged in mud. My aunt – says mother Linda – is one of the many volunteers who work at the Cucine Popolari every day: we know the importance of their activity well and we know how difficult it was to get back up. We want to do our part, first of all with the spirit. For this reason, on May 16th for lunch we will decorate the room with blue balloons and offer Brando’s birthday cake to all those who want to participate.”
No gifts, anyone who wants to give Brando a smile is instead invited to leave a solidarity contribution to the Cucine. “Certain situations must be considered normal – continues Linda – and the best way to get there is to get people used to living them. Brando is one year old, he is too young to understand, but his brother Gabrio is 4 years old and has everything he needs it’s useful to start getting an idea of things. May 16th was a beautiful day for us, for others not at all. But maybe happiness is contagious. Maybe the smiles can spread similar, of other people”. On May 16th in Cesena we will smile again and congratulate each other. Because Brando has a birthday. And because those who fell were not left alone.
