Janet frequently was asked by her curious grandchildren: "What was itlike growing up, Oma, when you were a little girl?" She realized that as a100% Italian American, she was obligated to teach her eleven "Chickies"about their proud heritage. Therefore, she decided to ensure that eachChickie should-and would-learn not only about Oma's growing-updays, but also about heroic ancestors leaving their homeland and comingto America to make a better life for their yet-to-be-born progeny.