Don't Just Stand There: 105 Years of Wisdom from My Italian Grandmother - Paperback

by Jeff Paterson (Author)

A bank robbery ... thwarted. Wedding plans ... derailed. A pie ... missing. House guests ... entertained. Grandchildren ... loved beyond measure. They're all part of 105-year-old Frances Genovese's life story. This feisty Italian American great-grandmother has a lot of wisdom to share - from the funny to the touching to the inspirational. This book is her youngest grandson's effort to pass Frances's collected wisdom on to his infant son. Subjects include family tradition, food, education, duty, the value of a dollar, and the power of laughter. Running through all of this advice is the notion that we can't stand still - that we need to keep changing and moving with the world around us. People of Italian American heritage will find this material comforting and familiar. Grandparents of any culture will be reminded of their vital role. Adult children and grandchildren will see their favorite grandparents in this book -- and, with any luck, they'll be inspired to share their grandparents' values with future generations.

Author Biography

Jeff Paterson is executive director of Community Music School of Buffalo, New York, and a faculty member at the State University College of New York at Buffalo. A church musician since the age of 12, he earned a master's degree in pastoral ministry from Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo. He serves as a pastoral musician at St. John de LaSalle Roman Catholic Church in Niagara Falls, where four generations of his family have worshiped. Jeff lives in Niagara Falls, New York, with his wife, Michele, and their son, Will.