Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF). We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like). Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.
We are also very happy to have Katia from I Am Milk Co-hosting with us this week. Thank you so much for joining us!!!
And now for this week’s sentence to finish: “If I could have dinner with anyone in history it would be with…”
And next week’s sentence to finish: “The best fourth of July I had was…”
If I could have dinner with anyone in history it would be with…My Grandparents!
My grandfather has been gone since Valentine’s Day 1999 and not a day has gone by in the over 14 years that I haven’t thought of him.
My grandmother (his wife) survived him and hung on for 11 more years. I always felt we were so lucky to have those extra years with her.
But eventually, all things do come to an end and she too left us in February 2010.
To say, I felt terrible is an understatement. I grieved all over again for the loss of the woman who was in my eyes my second mother.
See my grandparents growing up were so much more then just my grandparents. They were always there and if my parents weren’t available, they were.
My grandmother was truly such a lovely woman. She was generous and kind. She was also so friendly and would talk to anyone she met (I get this one for sure from her!)
Don’t get me wrong she wasn’t perfect, because yes she could be stubborn. And as my grandfather would always say, “She is not always right, but she is never wrong!”
But she was mine and in my eyes was perfect, I suppose.
And my grandfather to me could also do no wrong. I grew up very much believing he hung the moon and the stars in the sky for me.
See it was through him I knew early on that I did belong. As a kid, I was shy, but had this yearning and longing to be more outgoing.
As I started to come out of my shell, I couldn’t help the things that I would come out with. And as a teenager, when I began to curse like drunken sailor (yes I went through a phase), instead of yelling at me, my grandfather let me know that I belonged to our crazy family by telling me, “Shades of Valeria!” And laugh his famous laugh. God how his laugh was contagious and we would both end up in hysterics!
By the way, Valeria was my great-grandmother (his mom), she was well known for not mincing words and telling it like it was, curses and all!
Well, for the above reasons and many more, I wish I could spend one more dinner (preferably eating my grandmother’s famous potatoes and sausage meal) with non-stop chatter and laughter, too with both grandparents!
So now that I told who I would love to be able to spend one more dinner with. Who would you spend dinner with if you could??
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Erin Callaway says
awww such a sweet post Janine! Your grandparents sounded like wonderful people! Don't you wish we could just have another day with them all…. you never realize how much impact a person has on your life until they aren't there anymore!!!
My recent post Finish the Sentence Friday – Week 25
Janine Huldie says
I know Erin and trust me I loved them with all my heart, but never realized how much I would really miss them until they were no longer here. Just thankful they were mine for the time I had them, but still a bit greedy I guess and would love more time!!
Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
Awww!! I chose my grandparents too!!!
My recent post If I could have dinner with anyone in history . . . . .
Janine Huldie says
Great minds think alike and heading over there right now!! 🙂
anothercleanslate says
I have one grandparent left- my Mema is definitely one of the most important people in my life. I will count my blessings i can have dinner with her this Sunday. Thanks for sharing the memories you have with yours!
My recent post The boy behind the blog
Janine Huldie says
Katie, sounds like you are truly lucky to still indeed have your lovely Mema in your life and definitely sounds wonderful your Sunday dinners. Thank you for sharing!! 🙂
tinarobmorley says
That's an awesome story! It's so nice to know you belong and to have strong roots. It sounds like your family's blood and heritage is running through your veins in more ways than one! Thanking God for you and for your life, Tina 🙂
My recent post Make My Saturday Sweet – Blog Hop #42
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you Tina for those kind words about my family. I do very much love them all and just so thankful to have been a part of them then and now, too!! 🙂
Billybuc says
I was going to say Abraham Lincoln and then reality struck me….I'd like to have one last dinner with my father to tell him how much he meant to me. 🙂
Have a great weekend Janine.
Janine Huldie says
Oh I think that would be a wonderful dinner, but definitely do think you dad knew, but would love for you to get that dinner still!! Have a great weekend, too my friend!! 🙂
Erin Piccione says
So sweet <3
My recent post Dining with the Dead
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Erin!! 🙂
Betty Taylor says
I enjoyed hearing about your grandparents. It sounds like they are a big part of who you are today. Three of my grandparents were gone before I was born. My one grandfather lived until I was around 12, but I only saw him a few times in my life. I am a little jealous at how wonderful your grandparents were. I am sure you miss them terribly.
I am a little slow with my FTSF post. I'll get it up tomorrow!
My recent post A Dad's Letter To His Son – Very Emotional!
Janine Huldie says
Oh Betty, take your time and very much look forward to your post when you do submit. And trust me I know how lucky I was to have three out of the four for so many years, but still sometimes I can't help, but greedily wish I had more if that makes sense!
Karen says
that was so touching, wipes tears away. I am glad my son has all his grandparents around, it's truly important. I was VERY close to my dad's grandparents. They lived with us, but my Grandma died when I was nine, I know she is still with me. My Grandfather was NEVER the same without her. I wish I thought of my grandparents.
Janine Huldie says
Karen, that was how my grandmother was without my grandfather. She too went on, but was never really the same. So, I always think that at least they are together again if nothing else!!
massholemommy says
Awww, what a sweet post. I would actually choose to have dinner with my papa – but only if my boys could attend, too. He was long gone before they came along and he would have LOVED them.
My recent post Pasta Dogs – It’s What’s for Dinner
Janine Huldie says
Oh I love that you would have dinner with your papa and you are right would love my girls to also be a part of this dinner, because even though my grandmother was still alive when Emma was a baby, she doesn't really remember her and Lily didn't get to know either of my grandparents and they would have loved up both of my girls like nothing else!!
MelChi says
That's so wonderful that you'd choose your grandmother. I'm sure she's looking down at you and feeling very special and happy. Loved the photos, especially the one of you both on your wedding day. Happy weekend!
My recent post Rooibos Pancakes with Honey Yoghurt and Sweet Lemon Sauce
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you Melanie and truly hope she is smiling down where ever she is. Here is wishing you a happy weekend, too!! 🙂
clarkscottroger says
very nice Post.
History… maybe better to say family…not 'tradition', continuity..yeah that's the word. The photos gives us a sense of 'real people', and the thread that connects the very young to the very old and even to those that are no longer here.
'cellent FTSF post.
My recent post Finish Your Dinner Friday (at) the Wakefield Doctrine
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Clark and trust me when I say I wish nothing more then a bit of continuity, but I know the reality. Yet nice to dream sometimes!! 🙂
Sarah says
This is lovely ~ such great pictures, and what a great tribute to your grandparents! I would love to have more time to hear my grandfather's stories today, too.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you Sarah and loved your post, too. The history buff in me was fascinated!! 🙂
Collette Merritt says
Wow … I love it!!!! Sadly I never knew my Grandparents … Any of them. I feel that void often. But I feel better when I watch how close my girls are to our parents. Sometimes the next generation heals the hurts!
And I love the sound of Valeria … She sounds like my kind of gal.
Great post!
Lovies
Zenith
Janine Huldie says
Happy that your girls have a wonderful relationships with both sets of grandparents and am thank that mine also have that on both sides. And let me tell you, Valeria from all the tales I heard, was some lady and real piece of work. Definitely proud to be descended from her!! 🙂
Katia says
First of all thank you so much for allowing me the wonderful opportunity of co-hosting!
Secondly, this has to be my favourite one of your posts. So much warmth, heart and humour in it! Your grandma is strikingly beautiful on her wedding photo and I can see you in her, I don't know if people told you that before. I ADORE your grandpa and his saying "she is not always right, but she's never wrong". So perfectly put. I'm going to have to start using this. What a wonderful heart-warming post!
Janine Huldie says
Katia, thank you seriously for all your kind words on my post and about my grandmother. I was always told I looked more like my mother (who looked like her dad-my grandfather pictured here), but nice to know and hear that I have a resemblance to her, too. And my grandfather would chuckle and be proud that I shared his saying. Totally use it and sure you would make his day where he is shining down!! Thank you again for co-hosting with us. Seriously so happy to have you join us this week!! 🙂
Rosey says
What a wonderful tears-in-your-eyes post!! I loved my grandparents like that too, and dinner w/them once again would be amazing (they've both passed). I never knew my dad (he passed when my mom was expecting me) but everyone says he was amazing, so that'd be a good gig too. 🙂
I loved your post!
My recent post Legoland Discovery Center – Chicago
Janine Huldie says
Oh Rosey, I didn't know that about your dad and totally think your dinner with him or grandparents sound quite lovely and perfect. I just know for me how much these two people loved me more then life itself and the feeling for me was so mutual. So, when posed this topic, they were really the first thing that came into my mind and had to share!!
Dana says
I would love to have dinner with all four of my grandparents. I never met my dad's parents, and I often wonder what our relationship would be like. And my mom's parents died when I was 13 and 23, so I have so much I would want to share with them! Your grandparents sound like they were fabulous people, Janine – I'm glad they were a part of your life.
My recent post What’s in a Name?
Janine Huldie says
Dana, I was so fortunate to have my grandfather until I was almost 22 years old and my grandmother until I was almost 33 years old. My dad's dad was also alive until I was 21 years old, but my mom's parents lived with us, so I was a bit closer to them honestly. And my dad's mom passed away, when I was 18 months old, so sadly I don't really have much memories there, but heard so many wonderful things, so if I could ever have a day with her, too would love that. Thank you Dana for sharing!! 🙂
susanzutautas says
Really nice post. My grandparents took care of me at the age of 3 when my mother died and I was very close to them. I think if I could have dinner with anyone in history it would be my mother. Have a great weekend.
My recent post Wonderful Wednesday – At Home
Janine Huldie says
Oh I am so sorry that you lost your mother when you were only 3 years old and could totally understand wanting to have dinner with her if you could. Even though both my parents were very much alive, my two grandparents also helped to raise me too and were always there, so I too feel like I was definitely raised by these two wonderful people. Thank you Susan for sharing and hope you have a wonderful weekend, as well!!
Kerri says
What a beautiful tribute. My gram was my first hero. She passed on when I was in my 20's. Now when I see my girls I always want to talk to her and ask how I am doing.
My recent post My theme this week should be Barry Manilow
Janine Huldie says
Kerri, sounds like you can relate and I wish I could too could ask my grandparents how they think I am doing as a mom and wife, too. I think though your gram would be proud, because you are truly a wonderful mom!! 🙂
Ruchira says
Such a sweet and heart warming blog, Janine.
I was also very close to my grand parents. Unfortunately none are with us anymore…
I voted for ya, my friend!
Happy Friday:)
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Ruchira so much and same here, all of my grandparents are unfortunately no longer with us either.
Considerer says
That's awesome. I miss my Grandad too – I had many wonderful dinners with him and heard about his life as a fireman and prankster-in-chief.
My recent post 7 Quick Takes #34 x FTSF
Janine Huldie says
That does sound awesome Lizzi and mine was a butcher and also in the army during WWII. So, he always shared some very interesting stories. Wish I would have recored or at least written down some of his tales!!
Janine Huldie says
Oh Melissa, I think that would be awesome to have your grandma teach you even more with crocheting and would have been something nice you could have shared. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing, too!!
findingninee says
Aw, Janine,
This is so sweet and again – gorgeous photos. I love that you chose your grandparents rather than somebody famous. A woman after my own heart! Tweeting it as well.
My recent post To my old man son
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so very much Kristi and I seriously just copied the sentence and this was the first words I began to type. Truly always close to my mind and will never forget them. And thank you also for the tweet!! 🙂
Chris @HyeThymeCafe says
Sounds very much like my relationship with my maternal grandparents, and you're right, not a day goes by that I don't think of them. Oh how I'd wish to share a table with them just one more time! Given the option, I'd throw in my paternal grandparents too – I never knew my grandfather. My grandmother, on the other hand, lived to the ripe old age of 108, so she outlasted them all!
Janine Huldie says
Chris, I love hearing that I wasn't the only one so very close to my maternal grandparents growing up and by the way my great-grandfather (my grandmother that I shared here-her dad) lived to be 103 years old. A little younger then your grandmother, but nonetheless an impressive age!! 🙂
NuggetOnABudget says
This is a wonderful tribute to your grandparents! I love the photos and I'm sure it was an emotional post to write. I would wish to have dinner with my grandparents, too. My mom's parents. We had such a close bond as we grew up living next door to them. They were in our lives every day and I loved every minute of it. My grandma {who Sofia gets her middle name from} passed away in 2007 and my grandpa in 2011. I so wish my grandma could have made it to my wedding and seen Sofia and played with her. She would love her. It would be amazing to be able to visit heaven and see them!
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Janine Huldie says
Totally can relate and my grandparents lived around the corner growing up and then when I was a teen my grandparents moved in with us. I loved having them so close and still as I said miss them so much. But I loved writing this post and think this is one of my favorites so far. And I very much agree it would be so nice to visit them in heaven and get to see them even for an hour!! 🙂 xoxo!
Angel says
I'd choose my dad. I miss him very much. I'd share Jacobs life with him, everything he's missed since he passed.
Angel
Janine Huldie says
Oh Angel, I think that sounds just perfect and thank you for sharing this here with me!! 🙂
Judy Haughton-James says
It is great that you have such wonderful memories of your grandparents Janine and you have lovely pictures of them with you too. I wish I knew some of my grandparents. They all died before I was born. Let me see who I would want to have dinner with? My father! He died when I was only 13. He was kind. loving and jovial. I like the values that he stood for and the good example that he set for me being a politician and serving others. Take care and have a great weekend.
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much for sharing Judy and your father sounded like a lovely man. I hope that if you ever did get the chance that you would get this wish come true!! And also wish you a lovely and wonderful weekend!! 🙂
katbiggie says
That is such a sweet post Janine! I miss my grandparents too. My grandma was the only person who was always on my side. I felt so alone for many years after she died. It's funny how much you look like both of your grandparents in their wedding pic! xoxo
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Janine Huldie says
Alexa, this is how I felt when we lost my grandfather. He truly understood me and was always on my side. Missed my partner in crime to pieces and then when my grandmother passed I felt as though it was happening all over again. Just miss them and sounds like you can very much relate. Thank you for sharing and making me feel a bit less alone tonight on this one!!
The Dose of Reality says
Oh, I loved this one!! "She's not always right, but she's never wrong" Hahahaha. that is ADORABLE!! I love how your grandfather just laughed off your cursing phase. This was just the sweetest post, Janine!! Your grandparents sound like they were just the loveliest people. –Lisa
My recent post Pinterest Nightmare #552: Stiletto Nails
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Lisa and I know that line still gets me every time. And he really was such a cool grandfather and knew just how to get me to do what I needed to do without telling me (if that makes sense).
Debbie says
How funny— I just wrote something about this very subject: http://mmgenealogy.blogspot.com/2013/06/dinner-pa…
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Debbie and Will have to take a look in a moment!! 🙂
Kelly says
I'd choose my grandmother also Janine! She was the smartest lady I knew…she passed away when I was only 25 and I miss her the most. If ever I had a problem I'd go to Grandma – she was the one with all the answers and NO nonsense advice.
I asked her one time early in my marriage if I should be the kind of woman who sneaked to look through her husbands wallet or personal things…and she told me, "honey don't go looking for things you don't want to to find." All these years later and I still do not look for things in my life I don't want to find. I've never looked in my husbands personal business and I'm sure it's a good thing…trust is more important!
Janine Huldie says
Your grandma sounded like a wise and wonderful woman, Kelly. Truly loved her advice and think she was totally onto something there. And I am so with you on missing my grandmother (and grandfather) so very much. Everyone always ays times will make it easier, but still think about them daily and can't help, but hope they are shining down on us and proud of me, too!!
canigetanotherbottleofwhine says
Beautiful, Janine. Your grandparents sounded like awesome people, as I've read through this post and others. Just beautiful.
My recent post Stick a Cork In It! (Weekend Update #18)
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Kate and I think this is one of my favorite FTSF posts so far that I have done now!! 🙂
Jessica says
What a great post on your grandparents! I lost my grandmother in 2010 and my grandfather back in 1982. I never had a chance to get to know my grandfather so I would've chosen him too :). Thanks for sharing with us @ My Favorite Posts SHOW OFF Weekend Blog Party!
Jessica
The Wondering Brain
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Janine Huldie says
Oh Jessica, I am so sorry you lost your grandfather that many years ago and we lost my dad's mom back in 1979 (I was only 18 months old), so I can relate to not really remembering her or having much time with her. And thank you as always for hosting!! 🙂