A Colorado woman recently discovered a love letter from her great-great-grandfather to her great-great-grandmother dated back 132 years. This letter, written by Salvatore Ciucci from Lucca, Italy, expressed his affection towards Anna Murphy and showcased how words played a significant role in romantic relationships in the past. Angela Nauss, the woman who found the letter, shared it on TikTok to inspire others to appreciate the love shared with their partners, as words can hold sentimental value even after many years.
In a recent poll, quality time and physical touch were ranked as the most preferred love languages by U.S. adults, followed by words of affirmation, acts of service, and gift giving. Despite these results, Nauss believes that words still hold power, as evidenced by the romantic letter written by her great-great-grandfather. Salvatore’s limited understanding of English did not hinder his heartfelt message to Anna, expressing his desire to meet her and his affection. This letter encapsulates a different era where written words played a crucial role in expressing love and building relationships.
Nauss found a treasure trove of family mementos while sorting through her grandmother’s belongings, including Salvatore Ciucci’s 1890 visa, passport, and naturalization paperwork from when he became a U.S. citizen. Through these documents, Nauss pieced together her family’s history over the past 120 years. She discovered that Salvatore and Anna had a family together, with four children, one of whom tragically died during the Spanish Flu pandemic. Nauss’s journey into her family’s past through these artifacts highlights the importance of preserving and cherishing family history.
Many internet sleuths have engaged with Nauss’s TikTok video, attempting to pinpoint the exact location where Anna and Salvatore may have met based on clues in the love letter. The letter mentioned specific corners where Anna should stand depending on her intentions, leading Nauss and others to search through old maps of the city to identify potential landmarks. This endeavor showcases the enduring power of written words, as they help Nauss piece together a long-lost part of her family’s history that her grandmother cherished for many years.
Despite the shift in how love is expressed today, with quality time and physical touch taking precedence over words, Nauss believes in the lasting impact of heartfelt messages. The love letter from Salvatore to Anna serves as a reminder of the emotional connections that can be forged through written words. Nauss’s decision to share this letter on social media not only preserves her family’s history but also inspires others to value and document the love they share with their partners. Through this process, Nauss is able to uncover a deeper understanding of her family’s past and the enduring legacy of love that has been passed down through generations.
