You are looking at a photo of Bossy and her husband and son taken during Columbia’s Family Weekend in New York City.
No you’re not—but you are looking at a photo of Barack O’Boyfriend with the grandparents who raised him, taken during Columbia’s Family Weekend in New York City.
Bossy is completely enamored with these two, a certain Madelyn and Stanley Dunham from Kansas. Barack lived with his grandparents from the age of ten, and he credits them with instilling values straight from their Midwestern roots—things like “accountability and self-reliance. Love of country. Working hard without making excuses. Treating your neighbor as you’d like to be treated.”
Barack’s grandfather died in 1992, and his grandmother, who he nicknamed Toot, is now 86-years-old and ailing—and today Barack suspended his campaign in order to be with her.
Which brings Bossy to today’s Ten-Word Challenge. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about one of your beloved grandparents?
And be sure to check back later today for the best family recollections on the web.
BOSSY says
October 21, 2008 at 10:57 amGrandfather: first across the Ben Franklin bridge. Full. Of. Life.
Ellie says
October 21, 2008 at 10:59 amMy Grammy had a Irish brogue and loved to laugh.
Kristin says
October 21, 2008 at 11:02 amGramma: the best cook and silliest woman I ever knew.
andrea says
October 21, 2008 at 11:06 amGrandmother instilled a love of books, libraries and animals in me.
Jamie says
October 21, 2008 at 11:10 amAt 95 years, still rocking her/mine/our red hair.
Bridget says
October 21, 2008 at 11:11 amPoppop: Philly tough, voice like the forrest, nothing but love
anne marie in philly says
October 21, 2008 at 11:12 amgrandmom: taught me to knit and cook; a stong woman.
Lance says
October 21, 2008 at 11:14 amGrandad: Taught me how to build things, and fish.
junebug says
October 21, 2008 at 11:18 amGrandma Lola grew poppies. Her bathroom smelled like rosewater. Good.
Ellen says
October 21, 2008 at 11:18 amToot*, that is what my grandpa’s name was inside out.
Otto – in case you needed a translation.
Jessica says
October 21, 2008 at 11:19 amG-GMOM Susie; Strong, sweet, shortest. Only bad weeds grow tall!
molly says
October 21, 2008 at 11:23 amVara: college grad at 18, entertainer, traveler, grand & mother, sharp
LeahBear says
October 21, 2008 at 11:24 amGrandmaw is the stubbornest (and most giving) woman on Earth.
Shannon says
October 21, 2008 at 11:25 amGrandma Bessie … coolest cat I’ll ever know. Miss you dearly.
ErinM says
October 21, 2008 at 11:31 amClassy, articulate grandma made everyone in the room feel important!
Tara says
October 21, 2008 at 11:33 amGranddaddy, my childhood best friend, confidant and midnight snack partner.
Courtney says
October 21, 2008 at 11:34 amGrandma: A life of hardships, love, peseverance and unwavering faith.
Jacquie says
October 21, 2008 at 11:34 amSitoo used to call lebanese dinners “hot dogs and beans”
Tara says
October 21, 2008 at 11:34 amI have to do one from my Grandmama too!
Grandmama, taught me how to fold fitted sheets like a pro!!
Glass Dragonfly says
October 21, 2008 at 11:40 amMammaw. Butter cookies, chicken-n-dressing, making quilts and watching college basketball
DebbyABQ says
October 21, 2008 at 11:41 amGrandma – served coffee with cream and sugar after a sleepover!
DebbyABQ says
October 21, 2008 at 11:43 amGrandpa – took us fishing with bamboo poles and fresh nightcrawlers!
AmyG says
October 21, 2008 at 11:51 amGrandpa: great smile & laugh, loved gardening, fishing, dancing, family
BOSSY says
October 21, 2008 at 11:51 amOther grandfather: great hugs, affectionately called Bossy “chicken”, emanated warmth.
Holly says
October 21, 2008 at 11:54 amGrandma, gave to all, never complained, true love lived out.
4dbirs says
October 21, 2008 at 11:56 amA crisp 10 dollar bill in our stockings each Christmas.
Maggie says
October 21, 2008 at 11:59 amGrandfather with twinkly eyes and stories I will love forever
meribon says
October 21, 2008 at 12:06 pmChristmas eve’s at grandma and grandpa’s were the best ever!
GRAMPS says
October 21, 2008 at 12:06 pmGRANNIE PROTECTED ME WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING
Little Miss Sunshine State says
October 21, 2008 at 12:08 pmMemere-We were soul sisters. I miss her very much.
Kathy from NJ says
October 21, 2008 at 12:17 pmGrandpa – Rode bike till 91 – killed by car while biking.
Heather says
October 21, 2008 at 12:17 pmGramma & me @ corner tavern. Shirley Temples & White Castles & Sawdust Bowling.
(&, @, &, & not really words…)
David says
October 21, 2008 at 12:19 pmGrandma Florence: mean as a snake, but loved her anyway.
~Monkey says
October 21, 2008 at 12:20 pmgrandma, sitting, me sitting in her skirt, rocking back/forth.
Alias Mother says
October 21, 2008 at 12:21 pmGrandma is from Virginia and always trying to feed everyone.
Emma Steinfeld says
October 21, 2008 at 12:26 pmMaternal Grandmother known as “Nana.”
Just ten words? Not possible.
Karen in DE says
October 21, 2008 at 12:26 pmGreat Grandma, only one arm, baked daily, raised six kids.
Penne says
October 21, 2008 at 12:26 pmGrandma Fay couldn’t cook, but she danced while she ironed.
jp says
October 21, 2008 at 12:26 pm4′ tall Grandma, Meat Packer’s Union, meanest, funniest damn woman!!!
Miss you Grandma!
Kris says
October 21, 2008 at 12:29 pmGrandma Gert. Great cook. Loved partying. Loved Windsor & Coke!
Tracy (Oklahoma) says
October 21, 2008 at 12:30 pmGrandma.Precious.Loving.Understanding.Unconditional.Excellent cook.Role model.Beautiful.
steph says
October 21, 2008 at 12:34 pmMy grandma is the loveliest human being I’ve ever known.
Kathy says
October 21, 2008 at 12:36 pmGrandma Accepting, Loving, Honest, Faithful, Great cook and Baker. Glorious
ritabby says
October 21, 2008 at 12:41 pmFunny. Beautiful. Kind. Loving. Complicated. I miss Grandmother every day.
Eliza says
October 21, 2008 at 12:45 pmGrandma Bill: owned grocery store, rode motorcycle, lived to 98.
Red says
October 21, 2008 at 12:55 pmFeisty. Generous with love, good food and a wooden spoon.
Bobbie says
October 21, 2008 at 12:55 pmI got my love of the Yankees from my Mimi.
Julie says
October 21, 2008 at 12:56 pmCotton house dresses, Dove soap, cookies, pie, crochet, back rubs.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
October 21, 2008 at 12:57 pmGrandma crazy as a loon, talented seamstress-made doll clothes.
Domestic Goddess (in training) says
October 21, 2008 at 1:00 pmGrandpa danced at my wedding, and suddenly died shortly after.
Mandy - yes I comment here every.day. says
October 21, 2008 at 1:02 pmMamaw and Big Pap – never judge, always love. Nuff said.
DolphynGyrl says
October 21, 2008 at 1:07 pmDancing between raindrops, fierce letter writing, perfect turkey baking grammy.
Stacey Ball says
October 21, 2008 at 1:10 pmHandsome creative grandpa, never got to meet him…so sad!
Big Hair Envy says
October 21, 2008 at 1:15 pmGrandma was the epitome of love, and good southern cooking!
Not making this up says
October 21, 2008 at 1:17 pmPaternal gps: Excommunicated me because I left their abusive son. Still grieving.
Maternal gps: In motel room with gun; she dies. Murder or suicide?
How lucky you are to have fond memories of your grandparents. I hope my child and his future child(ren) have better ones than I have.
MamaMo says
October 21, 2008 at 1:18 pmPappy: flooded me with postcards of kindness & love during college.
Stephanie says
October 21, 2008 at 1:19 pmGrandma talks my ear off every Thanksgiving. I love her.
Erika Jurney says
October 21, 2008 at 1:26 pmI named my sweet middle child “Edward” after you, Opa.
The Domestic Goddess says
October 21, 2008 at 1:27 pmGrandma is still alive and kicking at age ninety three!
reen says
October 21, 2008 at 1:30 pmOma was in Germany. Met her once, fell in love.
(Woo hoo! Bloglines feeds are finally working! Thanks for that!!)
The Great Getzby says
October 21, 2008 at 1:34 pmGrandmother: Too cool to call “grandma,” adventurous, let me drive beamer….
MemeGRL says
October 21, 2008 at 1:36 pmGrandmom’s spaghetti guitar is my favorite thing on our walls.
Pop-Pop loved to watch the Phillies, even when they lost.
Grandmoo always had treats in the drawer in the guestroom.
Patricia says
October 21, 2008 at 1:41 pmDidn’t know them – they lived in Germany – me in Canada
Sheila says
October 21, 2008 at 1:45 pmG-G-Ma: Gin & Frescas, crooked wig, at least two secret pasts
Lorrie says
October 21, 2008 at 1:47 pmOur country will go to hell in a hand basket if Obama is elected.
margalit says
October 21, 2008 at 1:50 pmSnobby Grannie Rose came from England and hated Yiddish accents.
Rikki says
October 21, 2008 at 1:51 pmGrandpa, a heart to match his huge belly. Miss him dearly.
Rikki says
October 21, 2008 at 1:53 pmLorrie,
Bossy is not asking for political BS. If you don’t like Obama, fine, but don’t stick a negative comment in the middle of those of us speaking about our love for others.
Shame on you.
The other Lisa says
October 21, 2008 at 1:56 pmG-mom Brady: taught me to love/honor my mother anyway.
(And play scrabble – bless her competitive heart!)
Rochelle says
October 21, 2008 at 1:59 pmHe drove buses and wrote poems. He loved me unconditionally.
Jamie says
October 21, 2008 at 2:10 pmi don’t have any beloved grandparents, we weren’t close, sorry.
halfdime says
October 21, 2008 at 2:20 pmGrandpa calls me halfdime, now makes my daughter wood toys
TanyaK says
October 21, 2008 at 2:23 pmGrandpa Jim: Danced like Astaire, adored Grandma, spoiled his 26 grandchildren ROTTEN!
kate says
October 21, 2008 at 2:24 pmpoppy always called me his little chickadee.
monnik says
October 21, 2008 at 2:33 pmGrandma Viv:smart, loving, strong, courageous, writer, lover, gentle warrior
qt says
October 21, 2008 at 2:35 pmGrandma: Picked me up when I fell, applauded my successes.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says
October 21, 2008 at 2:48 pmI can only share one M&M because she is diabetic.
Liz says
October 21, 2008 at 2:50 pmGrandma: “It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look”.
Liz says
October 21, 2008 at 2:56 pmGrandpa always warned “watch out for wet leaves” when driving.
Other grandpa invented bedtime stories about “Barney Boy”; so clever.
Jill says
October 21, 2008 at 3:00 pmPapaw: Once announced he is uncircumcised at a family dinner.
Andrea's Sweet Life says
October 21, 2008 at 3:02 pmMy Granny, the only grandparent I ever knew. Died young.
Eloise says
October 21, 2008 at 3:05 pmBaba: true Southern lady, shared my name, I miss her terribly
Eloise says
October 21, 2008 at 3:08 pmI already wrote my ten words and started to cry, but reading everyone else’s recollections of their grandparents has me out and out boo-hooing.
Thanks, Bossy, for inspiring these great posts. Pass the Kleenex…
Lisa says
October 21, 2008 at 3:15 pmGrandma’s 93-years old and spunky as all get-out!
Florida Liz says
October 21, 2008 at 3:24 pmGrandaddy:limitless patience, butter-scotches:taught me shoe tying and cribbage
Chicky Chicky Baby says
October 21, 2008 at 3:27 pmShe tells everyone to call her Nana and they do.
Issa says
October 21, 2008 at 3:37 pmGrandpa: took me on dates and always let me complain.
Catazon says
October 21, 2008 at 3:38 pmGranny had the best shop at the flea market.
Jen says
October 21, 2008 at 4:11 pmDid’nt really get a chance to know them–which sucks
Lisa says
October 21, 2008 at 4:13 pmGrama Mary, lover of laughter, maker of great foods, teller of great stories about the old country, excellent gardener of the vegetable kind.
Miss Miss Miss-every goddamn day. sorry, too many words.
Lisa
coastal nest
Lisa says
October 21, 2008 at 4:17 pmYOU GUYS!!
this is soooo awesome, thank you for sharing, these stories are beautiful. Just like our wonderful memories..
Lisa
coastal nest
Thanks for the memory jog, Bossy.
Jodi aka soNOTcool says
October 21, 2008 at 4:23 pm*tears* *crying* *sobs* Unconditional love. *more crying* *tears* *sniff*
Ashley says
October 21, 2008 at 4:28 pmGranddaddy, love you. I will never forget you either.
Gette says
October 21, 2008 at 4:34 pmSaltiest old broad to ever slam a bottle of ouzo.
Les~ says
October 21, 2008 at 4:40 pmGrammie (lived to be 97) was everybody’s favorite! Even the daughters-in-law wanted her to be their momma! Miss you grammie!
TamiW says
October 21, 2008 at 4:52 pmMy Nana loved to wear gold lame blouses and stilletos.
rockle says
October 21, 2008 at 4:57 pmMom’s maternal grandmother taught me how to cheat at cards. Mom’s paternal grandmother taught me the rules about white shoes. Mom’s mother taught me to love everybody, no matter what. Mom’s father taught me to always stand up for myself. Dad’s mother taught me to make pierogies and Chicken Dance.
LizP says
October 21, 2008 at 5:15 pmGrandpa Sarge
Always had pennies for me
In his drawer
caro says
October 21, 2008 at 5:17 pmGrandma:
Ants-in-the-Pants player, “3 Bears” storyteller, Shadow puppeteer.
GreatAunt says
October 21, 2008 at 5:21 pmGrandpa wore a captain’s hat and let me drive the pontoon.
JennC says
October 21, 2008 at 5:24 pmMy Pappy: Can fix anything while cussing at it, does a mean twist.
corrie says
October 21, 2008 at 5:43 pmMannie: hiding Jewish neighbors in attic while Nazis do house to house searches.
Grootvader: acknowledged with Mannie at Yad Vashem and US. Holocaust Museum .
More than ten words I know… but couldn’t edit down!
Reeb says
October 21, 2008 at 5:52 pmCrippled farmer from badly-set hip, Texas wisdom, just kept on.
Wide as tall Grandmother, answered all little s jabberings: “Weeeellllllllllllllllllll.”
(Lost last grandparent at sixteen; looking for others ever since.)
Reeb says
October 21, 2008 at 5:53 pmA word dropped out. Grandmother entry should say:
Wide as tall Grandmother, answered all little jabberings: “Weeeellllllllllllllllllllllllll.”
Reeb says
October 21, 2008 at 5:56 pmMy computer’s messing up. The missing word after “little” is “girl”. This shouldn’t be this difficult. sorry.
And while I’m ditching the 10 word part, I just want to say how my heart goes out to those for whom this Ten-word Tuesday isn’t a source of sweet memories, but of far rougher times. Thanks for sharing that too.
Stephanie says
October 21, 2008 at 5:57 pmAbner and Gwendolyn Smith of Michigan: my heart and soul.
Alexandra says
October 21, 2008 at 6:06 pmMy dear Grandma: Dorothy Lothrop Stoddard Mitchell, Queen of Tonopah.
Rooth says
October 21, 2008 at 6:52 pmAlfhilda Tucci THE best yeast rolls and loved me too.
lea_sydney says
October 21, 2008 at 7:25 pmNanny, with arms and smile wide, hello my darlings.
Have the T-shirt says
October 21, 2008 at 7:32 pmGrandma-cold german disciplinarian with the warmest heart found anywhere
Sharon says
October 21, 2008 at 7:57 pmGranddaddy, I remember long walks and the scent of cigars.
gael says
October 21, 2008 at 8:09 pmScottish grandmother. Died before I understood how special she was.
Jeri says
October 21, 2008 at 8:17 pmMy grandpa was a big winner on Price is Right
beth says
October 21, 2008 at 8:28 pmGrammy – lived for yard sales – shopped like nobody’s business. Miss her.
Bush Babe says
October 21, 2008 at 8:35 pmGrandma Mart. Cheeky. Fun. Zany. Alzheimers. Shell left. Great memories.
TongieMom says
October 21, 2008 at 9:27 pmGrandma MiMi – Friday sleepovers – Saturday pancakes Sunday church – spoiled me
mandible says
October 21, 2008 at 9:28 pmMema, Irish, tough, funny, gave kids coffee and doughnuts
Sue says
October 21, 2008 at 9:43 pmGrandpa spread wealth by paying people to work, not welfare.
flutter says
October 21, 2008 at 10:01 pmGrandaddy was absolutely everything that a man should be.
Cathy D. says
October 21, 2008 at 10:13 pmGramma McCabe lived to be 101. Gave me great genes.
Beth says
October 21, 2008 at 10:45 pmGranny: 101, still living alone. Best lemon curd tarts ever.
Carolyn S. says
October 21, 2008 at 11:05 pmGrandmother served me 25-cent size pancakes on tiny doll dishes.
Molly says
October 21, 2008 at 11:12 pmEvery basketball game, I sat the bench, he cheered anyway.
Ree says
October 21, 2008 at 11:44 pmGa-Ga is everything a woman should be, and much more.
(Does Ga-Ga count as 2 words? If it does, I’m disqualified.)
Laurie Soule says
October 21, 2008 at 11:54 pmI’m going to England next week for Granddad’s 100th birthday.
Serendipitous Girl says
October 22, 2008 at 12:21 amGam, artist, singer, beachlover, VWbugdriver, runner, saver, bestbedmaker, happyhourchablisdrinker & chocolatelover. What? Those are SO words.
stljoie says
October 22, 2008 at 12:22 amHis playing cards were sooo sticky because he chewed tobacco !!!
Stacy says
October 22, 2008 at 1:31 amGrandpa: Italian immigrant, big strong hands, toast and eggs, the smell of mint and coffee and italian cookies in the drawer. I miss him so much now that I’m an adult. He never got to know who I turned out to be, I think we would have really liked each other.
Not June Cleaver says
October 22, 2008 at 1:58 amBama told a joke that ended “I bit her butt!”
Stephanie says
October 22, 2008 at 2:52 amGrandma: Large German woman. Hugs= suffocation in her “Bodacious Tatas.”
Becca Sibley says
October 22, 2008 at 4:36 amMy Granny – my hero, my cheerleader, matriarch, sadly gone now.
Vic says
October 22, 2008 at 6:41 amGerman hausfrau brummie nan, loved, loving always in my mind.
Tina B says
October 22, 2008 at 9:05 amPapa – smoked a pipe and called me his Christine.
Nana – loved butter mints and taught me to tie my shoes.
David says
October 22, 2008 at 10:14 amGrama raised me. She loved me unconditionally. Sweet, sweet woman.
ms ellie says
October 22, 2008 at 11:28 amMaw-Maw milked her own cows and Paw-Paw had the biggest garden I’ve ever seen.
Karen (Submommy) says
October 22, 2008 at 12:09 pmGrammy K. was a wonderful, classy, smart, bourbon-loving Grande Dame.
Rhea says
October 22, 2008 at 12:44 pmobsessed with Jesus, claims she never toots & unconditional love.
Rhea says
October 22, 2008 at 12:45 pmMan, some people can’t count right.
foolery says
October 22, 2008 at 2:02 pmMormor: STORYTELLER, teacher. Proud of her hollow leg. Unfortunate cook.
snarkalicious says
October 22, 2008 at 7:56 pmbasement bartender, kiddy cocktails, “Stop spinning on the damn barstool!”
Kristen says
October 22, 2008 at 8:11 pmGram- #1 Sooner fan, #1 in kitchen, #1 in my heart.
Clair says
October 22, 2008 at 11:16 pmClassy, white-gloved, gave me cherries from drinks, loved to sing.
leslie says
October 22, 2008 at 11:18 pmGrandma migrated west to California until the Oklahoma dust settled.
leslie says
October 22, 2008 at 11:23 pmIf you laughed at Grandpa’s joke, he’d immediately retell it.
Vanessa says
October 23, 2008 at 12:44 amLike Obama, they raised me. I owe them everything. Love.
Liza says
October 23, 2008 at 12:54 amGrandma: Strong, Independent, Fierce Woman…softest hands in the World.
Jodi says
October 23, 2008 at 1:06 amGrandpa – Went fishing at 4am *everyday*….he must have liked it.
uncle joe says
October 23, 2008 at 1:53 amPepaw, fiddle playing, snuff chewing, cantankerous and wise okie cusser.
uncle joe says
October 23, 2008 at 1:55 amMemaw, best kitchen singer and Benton, you watch your mouth!
moe99 says
October 23, 2008 at 3:03 amPapa Seth, carried me around like a beloved sack of flour.
Helen+ilana=Hi says
October 23, 2008 at 3:42 amHer: “Jump”
Us: “How high?
(pause) **
Can we come down now?”
** note: a pause is not a word
Helen+ilana=Hi says
October 23, 2008 at 3:44 amDid I mention She was 4’10” and had a voice like Ethel Merman.
No?
Should have.
D-licious says
October 23, 2008 at 8:29 amGrandpa. Enigmatic artist and poet. Passed last month. He’s Missed.
Meg says
October 23, 2008 at 8:45 amActually, I can’t tell you about her in just 10 words, but I have devoted inches of blog space plus an entire dedicated page to my Grandma Sara, who died 3 years ago in September.
Shelley says
October 23, 2008 at 9:47 amGrandmere: brilliant, humorously acid tongue, gave compliments via third parties.
kitty joe says
October 23, 2008 at 10:29 amgrandpa sug. yeah, like sugar. a baker. sweet as pie.
jan8mr.lootiato says
October 23, 2008 at 1:38 pmDon’t these folks sound luscious? The following generations were “washed out” compared to these.
Kirsten says
October 23, 2008 at 3:25 pmShe was unconditional love, biscuits baking, homemade applesauce, soft smile.
kirsten says
October 23, 2008 at 3:26 pmthe other one was flyswatter spankings, guilt trips, racist Thanksgivings.
Libby says
October 23, 2008 at 4:24 pmDidn’t like me because I wasn’t like her. Passive aggressive.
Dara says
October 23, 2008 at 5:31 pmPapa, taught me to waltz, and to curse in Italian.
Oh, The Joys says
October 23, 2008 at 9:01 pmTen words?
Ha ha ha ha.
MinivanBohemian says
October 24, 2008 at 7:54 pmClearly I can not follow the rules, Madame Bossy. (BUT I did wait until after Tuesday, because I have to obsessively read everything on about 6 political websites or the election might go bad….) CLEARLY, we are not looking at some sweet family moments, here. These are obviously unstable terrorists, who kick puppies after giving them the “morning after pill” and raising their taxes.
where is my damned 150K shopping spree?