Grandpa, Were You Young Once?: A Look at Who We Were, What We Did, What We Learned and How Times Have Changed for Our Grandkids

Grandpa, Were You Young Once." is written to inspire seniors to recall their special memories in a way that brings a smile or a nod to most readers. It also helps seniors share the Golden Years so grandchildren understand what we learned, why we have our values and dispels some of the generation gap. The book is a wonderful gift for grandparents, friends, relatives and especially grandkids. It is an excellent way to cheer up folks who need a lift. Personal memories can be a source of pure joy. The book also encourages seniors to jot down their own memories so the entire family can enjoy them. A supporting free web site helps them write their memories as well. The book explores the way things were (1940-80), how they are today from a senior viewpoint, and what tomorrow may look like. The chapters focus on old cars, sports, music, jobs, books, military service, how grandparents met, and other key events. These subjects are fun, but also much more. These every day subjects are what most genealogists would like to know about their ancestors. The book allows the reader to make notes about each topic, so a family record can be preserved. The book is enjoyable, inspiring and thought provoking for seniors and those who love them.

The author, referred to as Old Bill, having lived seventy years has a broad beam both anatomically and in experience regarding memories of the golden years. This is Old Bill’s third book, but first on this subject. Old Bill has taught many senior courses in ＂Writing and Organizing Your Memories＂ at Senior Centers, YMCAs and other organizations. These courses produced three things. First, was the absolute joy on the face of seniors as their personal memories came rushing back. Secondly, Old Bill learned more from the seniors than he imagined and some of the audiences special ＂moments＂ are incorporated in this book. Third, he learned that organizing and prioritizing memories is the biggest stumbling block for most seniors-who have hidden away, some amazing stories that need to be shared. Inspiring memory telling is one reason for Bill’s book; Bill believes that helping seniors recall and tell their stories helps their current family and generations yet to come. Old Bill’s free website, www.backwhen.com, has many stories that seniors contributed that help jog senior memories and can even help with accuracy. The website also provides a collection of tips on writing memories that can help the reader. These ＂tips＂ were developed in the course of the seminars and focus on organizing personal memories. Old Bill believes that hidden in our memories are the enduring values and lessons we have learned in a lifetime and the hope for our children’s future.