I'm proud of my grandpa

He has experienced more than I ever will. He has more wisdom & knowledge than I could ever hope to have. He's coy when he smiles and he's a man of few words. Aside from what I know of him in the 35 years I am alive, I don't know much. I don't know how he relates to his world around him. I don't know how his mind navigates challenges. I have no idea what makes him proud. That's not true. Someone being themselves makes him proud. That I've always known. I know of few pleasures aside from art (in various forms) & a good conversation.  I know that he's rather shy until there's something to be passionate about and then he's front & center.

But all that changed when I sat down to read his latest book. Couraggio!.



As I read, I noticed that he was offering a glimpse into his story. The whole story. Yes the first book gave us a glimpse of how his mind operates, but this one..... Well..... it filled in pieces of a puzzle I had no idea I was trying to put together.

I marked pages that I didn't want to lose because they spoke volumes into how similar we really are. I had no idea! It's like having a love affair with planes & all things flying and finding out that you're related to Wilbur Wright.

Thank you grandpa for giving me (us) something we didn't know we wanted or needed. Your book was pure poetry. We love you and we hope that your signing has a fabulous turn out.