I didn't have the honor to meet Prof. Frans de Waal personally, but I had the fortune "to meet" him through the reading of his books. Since I was a child I loved animals and lived them. To me, Prof. Frans de Waal has been a real "Maestro", as we say in Italy.
I learned so much through his research, books and the way of thinking and living animals. I'm a biologist.
Only today I could know he passed away. Although I've never met him, to me his passing is a deep lost. Pure sadness. The entire world loses a very special person, who, through his curiosity, open mind and study, could embrace all the living creatures, that I'm sure he loved so much. I think it is this love the base on which all his life could have been so close and respectful towards the many secrets animals possess and towards their lives. This love gave him the right "eyes" to observe the animals world from the inside of it.
I can't find any words to express my feelings; as he said... feelings are something private, different from emotions.
I would have liked to meet him at least once, just to tell him: "Grazie infinite, Maestro, per averci aperto gli occhi, il cuore e la strada da continuare a percorrere..."
My sincere condolences to his wife Catherine, to all his family, friends and to all the people who were in his heart.
Thank you Marina! Frans touched so many lives. You are a great example of that. Even though you never met him in person, his books found their way to your mind and heart. This way, he will forever be present.