 If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be...? Over this long Memorial Day weekend, it seemed fitting to develop my own answer to this question - recently sent as part of a questionnaire to 50 family, friends and colleagues. I would plan a dinner party for four special ladies--two of whom I have met and love very much. I have long admired and respected the other two ladies on my guest list. I'd like to share dates of birth and death with you...as I find some beautiful similarities in dates and the month of May.
Five chairs will suffice, as Aunt Baby will be resting regally between her Grandmother (Miss Sammie) and her Momma (mar). Along with Mom's preferences, there will be fresh garden flowers as a centerpiece. Chef Geoff has agreed to cater our meal, featuring shrimp, coconut pie and coffee aplenty, at the very least. Aunt Baby will be quietly indulged under the table and Momma will have some special meaty snacks for her as the dishes are cleared. Mom will inform Maya and Jackie that her daughter is a born interviewer. She called me the Barbara Walters in the family, and I must say she had a point! From my perspective, I'd open the conversation with this power-house of women with a few broad-ended questions then practice my active listening skills.
Today, Mom would be 89-years-old. Maya would be 88-years-old. Jackie would (soon) be 87-years-old. How fascinating it would be to hear the similarities and differences of their views on any issue(s) under the sun. I'd absorb their life wisdom like a sponge--especially wanting to know how they each moved on and thrived from some beyond difficult circumstances. As we part ways, for now, I'll have Billie Holiday sing her rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You"... As far as the questionnaire, some responses I received from the 'Wish to Meet' list are...
What wonderful answers! My thanks to each of you who responded. Hoping others will add their answers to this question in the comment section. If any of you are interested in a questionnaire to share your thoughts on additional questions, please let me know and I'll be happy to send one your way. ShoutOutsUntil next week, wishing you peace and joy,
mar
18 Comments
Sunshine
6/1/2016 08:05:29 am
Oh my what a magnificent gathering you arranged. The words of wisdom shared would be mind blowing!
Good morning Mar. Of course, this last memorial weekend brought vivid thoughts of the people in my life who have passed away. My mother would be the special guest, sitting beside me, then my sisters Bea, Eva, Virgie, Stella and brothers, Fred, Jess and Vertis. Of course, it would take a very large table, because there must be room for Elvis, Michael J, George Jones, John Lennon, Liz Taylor, Susan Hayward and last but not least, Ernest Hemingway. This brings to mind that you will see your beautiful mother again, so will I. 6/1/2016 10:40:11 am
Prof. Mahreer,
Mike
6/1/2016 12:57:17 pm
Hello mar. I am reminded of the old Steve Allen show. He would bring to a table guests, 'from the past' and they would engage in lively conversation. Very interesting those you invited to your table. What a good time you all would have.
Your gathering would be better than any talk show on the air, past or present. We could learn so much from these people.
Maria, Sounds like an amazing dinner party, I wouldn't want to miss! The perfect occasion for a meeting of the minds & hearts. You can be sure I'll show up with flowers, champagne and my list of questions galore for your fabulous guests!
Dear Mar, Billie Holiday's "I'll Be Seeing You" instantly made me nostalgic.
Dear Maria,
Shauna
6/28/2016 11:09:03 am
Mar, I love your guest list. Conversation would be quite interesting, to say the least. Leave a Reply. |
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