My dream for this book began when I very young. I always loved to listen to my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles tell stories about their lives or someone that they knew. You would no doubt find me on the floor beside them with a pencil and scribbler writing down some of what they were saying. I wrote little rhymming poems to my school pals, brothers ,sisters and mom and dad. As the years went by it became part of my life.I I knew in my inner being that some day I would write a book. As you thumb through the pages you will find stories and poems that will bring you both Joy and sorrow. I have based this book on true stories although through its pages I have weaved threads of fiction to help meld them together.