To friends and aquaintences, my father was a wonderful storyteller, who could make you laugh with his impersonations of those he found fault with. They also found him to be very cordial, generous and kind.

To us, his children, and our mother, he was all those things in the presence of those acquaintances, but we also knew he was the king of the roost, the final say in all things concerning anything we wished to do. We knew him as the task master who required us to report to him as soon as we got home from school, so that he could assign some dreadful chore or other for us to perform. He was never abusive physically but demanded respect and obedience. He did not shower his children with hugs or other signs of affection, altough we knew he loved us. We hardly ever saw him be affectionate to Mama, but we knew he would never allow any harm to come to her.

I tell you all this, because after Mama's death, among her few small possessions hidden in her dresser drawer, we found a letter written to her many years before. Yes, a love letter from Papa to her, when he courted her in Molfetta, Italy. The letter made us aware that at one time, this hardworking, demanding taskmaster was also a young man, very much in love, and able to profess that love with words.

click images to see full-size

He wrote:

February 11, 1920

Dear Pasqualina,

I was anxiously awaiting your letter which arrived yesterday and your words were so sweet and beautiful. Unfortunately, I cannot go to see your father and your brother to ask for your hand in marriage and clearly explain to you what's in my heart.

I thank you for the kindness you show me. So I hope I will be accepted in the hearts of your whole family. We hope that my mom gets better as quickly as possible so that she can come to your house soon. Pasqualina, you must love me as I love you and you have to believe that one day we'll be together.

I send you my sincerest greetings that come from deep within my heart.

Yours,
Gaetano

Here are images of Papa and Mama from those early days (click them to see full-size image):

LEFT: Gaetano Zaza circa 1920. RIGHT: Gaetano Zaza married Pasqualina Bellapianta on January 21, 1921 in Molfetta, Italy.