New York City in the 1950s - I was a product of America's economic and societal transformations. My grandparents were Italian immigrants. I proudly anticipated being the first in line to attend college. My family created a pedestal of achievement for me - but after 18 years of being perched atop this pinnacle as the 'favored son,' I was no longer supported by them. Relationships were severed and seemingly unbreakable ties now delineated my past life from the one I was about to create. This is the account of my personal journey to survive and to thrive without my relatives. I discovered that as long as I was in a position to 'Make just one someone happy...,' then indeed, I could be happy, too. And I was. And I am.