The 3 people

I feel like people are asked "if you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be and why?" pretty often. I was thinking about it tonight. Here are my people and the reasons why.

Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson for many reasons. Like me, he has a connection to North Stamford. More importantly he was one of the most important people in the history of the United States. His success on the field spurred equality and changed history. He opened the door for millions of minorities for sports and other fields.
On top of that he was an amazing baseball player. I'd love to get the chance to talk to him about his athletic abilities...He played all sorts of sports, but was famous for baseball...and how he changed history.

Geno Auriemma: Geno...of course. Did you think I couldn't have a UConn connection? Geno for several reasons. I am amazed by Geno's ability to tell stories and make you laugh. I also think that Geno is one of the best coaches ever to live in any sport. I love how he recruits certain, good people and makes great basketball players, great teammates. He can put together all the parts and make it work right. He knows how to press the right buttons at the right time to get his players to respond. I think he is a genius with regards to getting the most out of people and that's something I'd like to learn about. I also want to learn how to build a championship program out of nothing...out of practicing in the field house in Storrs, Connecticut to having the most popular team in the entire state.

William R. Palmer Jr.: He was the only grandparent that I never met. Sometimes I wonder if I'd want to eat with my deceased grandma again, but I think my paternal grandpa is such a mystery. I'd do anything to see what his personality was like. I'd love to know why he married my grandma, what qualities did she have that were so attractive. It worked out really well for him so I'd love to apply his wisdom to my life. I'd love to hear about the history of my family and see his work ethic. I know so little about a person who had a profound impact on my life. Not only are 25% of my genes from him, but inevitably some of his wisdom rubbed off on my dad, which rubbed off on me. Getting to speak to him once would make me beyond happy.