By: Tony Traficante, ISDA Contributing Editor
Many people might assume that I, being of Italian extraction, know a lot about love. You know the saying: Italians are lovers! But I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not an expert on love and the last person to attempt to write about romantic relationships. I can write of personal experiences (those being uninteresting and limited), or what I read about, or rely on what I have learned through English Literature classes.
Knowing that we are at the very cusp of Valentine’s Day, I had to reach stratospheric heights to put together a charming story worthy of entertainment value. We all know that Valentine’s Day originated in Italy. And who doesn’t know the remarkable love story of the famed Romeo and Juliet of Verona, Italy? The day, though surrounded in a bit of mystery, likely gets its name from Saint Valentine, a Bishop of Italy, and his good deeds as protector of young lovers. And from thence came this extensive expression of love, gift exchanging, the rekindling of new and old romances, and even marriage.
History is full of great love stories. Some tragic, some blessed, and most successful. But I’m not writing about those. We must look upon every marriage as a great love story, and this story is about the “New Kids on the Block.” It is a beautiful, modern Romeo and Juliet romance between a couple, once again, in the lovely city of Verona, Italy.
It began early during the March 2020 coronavirus lockdown between Paola Agnelli, a lawyer, and Michele D’Aplaos, an information tech worker. Because of Italy’s lockdown, they never were permitted to meet face to face. Imagine, “Il loro amore si è sviluppato attraverso,” their love unfolded across 40 meters of distance between two balconies. He on the seventh floor of his apartment, and she on the sixth floor of hers. At the time, the whole of Italy was under a strict lockdown, with people unable to leave their homes other than when strictly necessary.
Paola and Michele first locked eyes with each other while sitting on their balconies. Every night they went out to enjoy an evening of live music and singing taking place in their neighborhood. In fact, you may have witnessed these same scenes on the international news reports.
Their attraction was instantaneous! But not being enough, they continued their relationship -virtually by telephone and social media late into the night. This unusual courtship went on for weeks!
On May 4, 2020, when the restrictions were finally lifted, the world changed for the couple when they first met person to person! What a glorious meeting it was. Agnelli describes the moment: “We were both excited! We went to the nearby gardens to physically hug and kiss for the first time. It will always be a magical moment for us both. It was the beginning of a daily life together!”
It was at that first encounter when the couple proclaimed their eternal love for each other. They wanted to marry immediately. However, as often happens with many of these sudden romances, family members interceded and discouraged them from rushing into a quick marriage.
Agnelli, I suppose, the more pragmatic one of the two, rationalized: “We still have time to decide.” Michele reluctantly agreed, and so, as of this date, they remain unmarried but are engaged. The one thing they continue to proclaim is their undying love for each other. Paola knows for sure she found her Romeo, and Michele is optimistic that Paola is his Juliet. They vow there will never be another “amore” for either.
And when it happens, they plan on having their marriage ceremony and reception at the inspirational (OK, and fictional) home of Juliet in Verona.
“Buona fortuna ai due amanti!”
Good luck to the two lovers!
