Every year since 2017, Victorino Coutinho Chermont de Miranda, an 82-year-old lawyer, and his wife Nely de Albuquerque, have committed to attending the Río Open tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro. This event holds a particular significance for them as they remember their son, Victorino Chermont, who was one of the 71 victims of the Chapecoense plane crash in November 2016. The tournament, a friendly competition for journalists, occurs in the same courts where professional players compete, giving the couple a sense of closeness to their late son.

During the Río Open, the Chermont family experiences a blend of grief and fond memories, as this gathering allows them to connect with the journalistic community that was part of their son’s life. Despite the heat and humidity, the couple uses this annual tradition as an intimate moment to honor his memory. They manage to find solace and a sense of purpose through their symbolic participation in the event, celebrating the work and passion their son had for journalism.

This touching story highlights the impact of loss and the different ways families cope with grief. By being present at the Río Open, the Chermonts not only keep their son’s memory alive but also advocate for the importance of community and remembrance in the healing process for those left behind in the wake of a tragedy like the Chapecoense crash.