Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

 



The Dinner List by Rebecca Searle

Imagine getting the chance to sit down and have dinner with five people. They could be living or have passed away—it doesn’t matter. You get to choose the guest list. That was the game Sabrina and her friend used to play, and then it happened. On her birthday, her chosen guests were all there. It was an intriguing mix of people, leading to lively discussions and, at times, a bit of tension.

Who would I choose if there were no constraints?

It’s a harder question than you might think. The choices would need to be made carefully. Would you pick people who are important to you and complement each other? Or would it matter less if they got along, as long as you could spend time with them? For me, it would be all about the time spent with those I cherish. I wouldn’t mind if they didn’t get along—though I know they would—because, after all, it’s about who I want at the table.

My mix would most likely include two family members, a politician, and one or two celebrities. First, my mom. She was my biggest cheerleader, always making me believe I could achieve anything. She passed away in August of 2016, and I’d give anything for one more dinner with her.

For a politician, I’d choose former President Obama. He’s intelligent, trustworthy and has a wicked sense of humor—qualities that are refreshing and sadly, rare in modern politics.

As for a celebrity, I would pick Taylor Swift. She has navigated life in the spotlight with remarkable resilience and self-awareness. Over the years, she has remained true to her values, standing up for herself when needed while maintaining a strong connection with her fans. Her ability to evolve as an artist while staying grounded is impressive. Many musical celebrities in her position have crashed and burned.   Her sense of humor and poise make her an excellent dinner guest—she’d bring great conversation, insight, and probably a few entertaining stories!

I’d would also invite my grandfather, who was the center of my world growing up. He passed away before I could truly get to know him as an adult, and talking with him would allow me to bridge the gap between childhood memories and the conversations I never got to have as an adult. ’d love the chance to reconnect. Choosing my grandfather over my grandmother was a very difficult decision. She was a second mother to me, and I loved her dearly, but I would really love to know my grandfather from an adult perspective.

To round out my five, I would pick Meryl Streep—though Tom Hanks is a close second.  She has an extraordinary ability to transform into a wide range of characters, from the formidable Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada to the deeply emotional Sophie in Sophie’s Choice. Her versatility is unmatched, and she brings such depth to every role she plays. And let's just face it she is Meryl Streep and meeting her would be a dream come true!

So those are my five at this point in my life.  Ask me in another few years and maybe the Dinner List would change.

Who would you choose for your dinner? Let me know—and don’t forget to read the book and share your thoughts!

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