This collection of short stories, or "cantos" as the author describes them, calls forth the image of Grandpa whose life and times embraced most of the twentieth century. A working man he comes to grips in the most heroic way with immigration, poverty, disease, death, fests, and above all love. Losing his wife late in his marriage, he misses her encouragement, and yet insists on living his life in a most decent, honorable manner. Along the way he meets some of the greatest minds and celebrities in passing, and together they and he learn some of life's grandest and saddest lessons. In this time of confusion and chaos, Grandpa stands forth as a man who represents integrity and compassion, attributes that the United States once prized.