My 91-year-old father-in-law “Papa" lived in a memory unit in Stamford, CT for three years. When he passed away in September 2025, he was in the later stages of dementia. His indelible spirit, fantastical vision and love for all things Rat Pack is my inspiration for BIG MAN.

It was April 2024, and we came for a visit. Papa was quiet that day — a little tired. I reached across the table to show him photos on my phone from a photo exhibit I had visited called “Frank Sinatra at The Fontainebleau”. And just like that — BOOM! — Papa lit up like the Vegas Strip at midnight. His eyes sparkled; his smile returned. He told me in vivid detail about seeing “Frankie” in concert, sharing a drink with him, even talking business over those famous blue eyes

We’re not sure how many of Papa’s accounts were actually true, but it didn’t matter—he graced us with a serenade of “My Way” as he recounted them. These musical memories were a bridge between us and him. They took him out of the darkness and into the light of his happy place. In his dreamworld—just like in Albert’s—there was so much joy, laughter, and celebration.

A Note from Sheryl: