Hometown
Marina Del Rey, CA
Joie de VIVre
Yoga, S Factor, running on the beach with my Akita, great wine, learning about people and different trends via creating television shows and other ventures.
VIV Moment
I saw my 93-year-old grandmother for the first time in 30 years just a month ago. I moved from an island in Croatia to the United States when I was 3. I was raised in New York, but my parents always maintained European traditions. I went to school in France, England and Italy, but never truly embraced the value of my upbringing until I looked into my grandmother’s eyes.
As soon as I landed in Croatia, my uncle drove me to her house. I was told she lost her hearing, her body was weak and she was not doing well. We drove down a long dirt driveway with trees cascading over us. As we turned a corner, a beautiful, stately villa appeared.
I was hesitant walking inside, not knowing what to expect. I found her in a comfortable living room with Italian furniture, watching soccer, her favorite program.
This beautiful, elegant woman sitting on the soft comfortable couch flanked by pillows looked up at me, smiled, and whispered my name. She immediately recognized me and embraced me.
Her olive skin and high cheekbones emphasized her large brown/black eyes. Here was a woman who had outlived two children and a husband, survived two wars, and raised seven children. She spoke three different languages, all of which my whole family understood.
Tears came to my eyes as I watched her. When I asked her a question that she could not hear, she shrugged her shoulders, threw her hands up in the air, and laughed.
It was amazing to watch someone who has truly lived have such a sense of humor in every moment — who was completely sharp and had a great memory, yet, knew her body was outliving her mind.
Nevertheless, her whole being encompassed such strength, love, peace and light. She laughed as she said, “Don’t worry, be happy. C’est la vie!” It was then I knew happiness was a journey, not a destination.
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One Reader Comment:
Danica,
I’m so glad you got to see your grandmother! Neat that you wrote about it. I was with mine until she was 95. She’s still one of my best life memories and friends, though she passed away 7 years ago.
I googled you. I hope you see this.
People are telling me about a TV program situated in Berkeley with a woman who’s afraid in water who’s in swimming lessons and…it sounds mighty familiar. This sounds like Danica-ism. Is it true??
Hugs, Melon