Although this chapter was cut from my book by the editor, I feel compelled to share it. They were such an important part of my life.
My Papa Chip was a huge influence in my life. He walked me down the aisle on my wedding day. He loved Mark or Marco Polo, as he nicknamed him. He Italianized him. Papa could sing like Pavoratti. He loved Mario Lanza and Perry Como, and could hold a note like nobody else. He…..