If you could have dinner with four of your ancestors who would they be and why?

This is the topic for the 41st Carnival of Genealogy. I think it is a great topic, so here are my answers!

If you could have dinner with four of your ancestors who would they be and why?

I actually have to name five.

My parents – Anna & John Alzo. I miss their physical presence in my life every day and would give anything to have dinner with them again.

My paternal grandfather, John Alzo, Sr. – He died before I was born , from a heart attack at age 67, on the same day he returned home from being a pall bearer at the funeral of one of his closest friends. From all I learned about him I missed out on knowing a kind man with a great sense of humor. I actually wrote about this scenario – how if I could have dinner with one person I would choose my paternal grandfather, and what it would be like to have a meal with him – as an introduction to a forthcoming article.

My grandmothers: Verona Straka Figlar and Elizabeth Fenscak Alzo. Two strong Slovak women!

Would you have dinner in the present day or in one of their eras?
Both. For my parents it would be in the present day. For the others, during their time period.

Would you dine out or opt for a home cooked meal?
Home cooked! What a great feast with my Slovak grandmothers and mother cooking all of our traditional favorites: pirohi, haluski, bobalky, paska bread, lady locks, kolace and more!

What would you discuss at the dinner table?
I’d ask my parents if they are at peace as I truly believe them to be. I’d ask my grandparents loads of questions about life in Slovakia, their families, their immigration to America.

What would you most like to share with them about your life?
All of my successes–my books and articles–which I attribute to them. If my grandparents did not have the courage to get on the boats to take them to America, I would not have all the opportunities I have today. Their lives have inspired me to tell their stories. I owe what I have today to their hard work and sacrifices.