"Growing up I adored my grandfather, but as the years continue to pass by and the world continues to change, I truly realize now what a remarkable gem he really was. He was from the "greatest generation" and lived up to that image without even trying. Though coming from humble beginnings and actually leaving the same way, he spent the better part of his life living it to its fullest, not only following his heart but also his dreams.


My grandfather was a first-generation American and proud of it. He didn't have a long, formal education, but that was common in those days. While still in his teens, he became an apprentice for a jeweler. This would eventually become his career, but not before detouring overseas to serve in the US Navy during WWII. Whether by luck, fate, or God’s well thought out plan, my grandpa made it home from the war alive scarred only by the memories of some very close calls and the reality of losing fellow friends, comrades in arms. Eventually my grandpa went from being a jeweler’s apprentice to being a certified jeweler to finally starting his own jewelry business. His big dream—being his own boss—was underway. For over thirty years both he and my grandmother worked side by side at their store making their dreams come true . Having a small business doesn’t seem to have gotten any easier over the years, but like many entrepreneurs, the journey was difficult but the outcome plentiful.

My grandparents were married for fifty years, and watching them interact was like watching newlyweds. Small gestures like holding hands, appreciating what one did for the other, and truly enjoying the time they spent together are just a few examples of the unending devotion they had for one another. So many people today are so focused on being the "center of the universe" themselves they lose sight of the simple but more important aspects in a relationship. Listening to the many stories Grandpa shared about his WWII experience, I believe his love of family deepened when he saw first-hand how easily families could be torn apart."

If you liked what you read,  my book is on sale for 50% off until December 23, 2011. Just go to my blog at http://lisatortorello.blogspot.com