08/14/2026
90 years ago today, Carmen was born. And in those 90 years, he has touched more lives than he'll ever know, especially mine.
At almost 30 years old, I am beyond blessed to still have my grandpa, and so happy I get to share him with all of you. You all have kept him young. Seriously. At 90, he still has his wits about him, still tends his garden, still helps customers, and yes, still gets on ladders, uses a chainsaw, and lifts 200 pound objects while I yell at him to stop. Some things never change. 😅
He came to America from Sicily as a child, worked all kinds of jobs, married my grandma, Carol, in 1959, raised 3 beautiful children, and eventually opened this little fabric shop in the 1970s, which became his true passion. He is stubborn and loving, kind, funny, patient, and would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought if you let him. His life these days are taking care of my grandma, basking in the sun through his bay window, playing Sudoku, tending to his garden, helping at the shop when I'm out of town, baking cookies, being stubborn, and somehow always finding a way to get in trouble.
He has taught me how to run a business, how to make a customer feel welcome, how to live life on my own terms, and of course how to plant a killer garden. Oh, and how to be just as stubborn as he is. I am so happy that I am able to carry on his legacy with our little fabric shop.
He loves hearing from all of you. I read him your comments, texts, and emails. I even connect my phone to his TV to show him everything you all say. So please, wish him a happy birthday. It truly means the world to him. 🎂
Happy 90th, Carmen!!!
