Between Then and Now
My journey as a writer began with a desire to preserve the things that mattered most—cherished family stories, formative childhood moments, and the quiet lessons handed down through generations. Writing became a way to honor my roots and ensure that the values and experiences shaping my life would not be forgotten.
As the years passed, these stories naturally evolved into a variety of forms. Some blossomed into children’s books, crafted with imagination and gentle wisdom to inspire young readers. Others culminated in a memoir written later in life, offering heartfelt reflections on memory, loss, faith, and the remarkable individuals who shaped my journey.
While my work may be written for diverse audiences, it is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude for the past and a steadfast belief that even the most ordinary lives are imbued with meaning and significance. I strive to create stories that honor these lives and encourage others to find value in their own experiences.
The Memoir
What we remember depends on what mattered most—and who stood quietly beside us along the way.
This memoir began not from a predetermined plan, but from a pause—a moment to reflect on what had truly endured. Again and again, my thoughts returned to the people who shaped my life in subtle yet profound ways: family members, teachers, mentors, and neighbors whose steady presence left lasting marks.
They Made All the Difference is anchored in memory and gratitude. It traces my Italian-American family’s journey, my childhood in mid-century Los Angeles, and the values of faith, resilience, and belonging passed down through generations. These pages do not chronicle extraordinary achievements, but rather ordinary lives lived with care—and the small moments that, in hindsight, proved pivotal.
Writing this memoir became an act of listening closely to the past. Some memories surfaced fully formed; others emerged slowly, shaped by time and reflection. Together, they form a portrait of a life shaped less by singular turning points than by the accumulation of kindness, example, and love.
The World of Sam Caruso
The children’s books grew from the same place as the memoir: memory. Long before I thought of myself as a writer, I carried images of my childhood—time spent with grandparents, family rituals, and the quiet reassurance of being cared for.
Writing for young readers allowed me to return to that earlier way of seeing the world, when curiosity came naturally and meaning revealed itself through small moments. Though written for children, these stories often resonate just as strongly with adults who recognize the world they reflect.
Nonno's Pocket Watch
This is the story of Sam Caruso, a boy growing up in post WWII Los Angeles. "Nonno's Pocket Watch" tells the story of a lesson Sam learns from his grandfather about friendship.
Over the Ivy Covered Fence
“Over the Ivy Covered Fence” is the second in the series of Sam Caruso stories. Over the Ivy-Covered Fence is a coming-of-age story about how the young and the old form bonds of friendship that grow and deepen through life-changing experiences.
A Boy At Heart
The third book of the nostalgic Sam Caruso Stories, “A Boy At Heart,” is a story of love, friendship, and imagination coming together to create lasting memories for Sam Caruso of his beloved Aunt.
About The Author
I grew up in Los Angeles in a large Italian-American family shaped by traditions, perseverance, and close-knit neighborhoods. Those early years—marked by family rituals, parish life, and the steady presence of earlier generations—left a lasting impression.
After a career in education and nonprofit service, I turned to writing as a way to preserve memory and honor the people who quietly shaped my life. My work includes children’s books and a memoir, all rooted in themes of family, heritage, and the enduring influence of ordinary lives.
Writing has become my way of remembering—and of acknowledging the difference others have made.