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Nov 13, 2012

Lessons from Baba



On September 30th, our beloved Baba said goodbye to this world and went to be with the Lord and the love of her life in heaven. Marie Ozurovich was an amazing woman and I am so grateful that I was able to spend the last 4 years getting to know her. She taught me some lessons about life and inspired me and so I thought I would share them with you.

Lesson #1: Believe in your family.

            Baba loved her family with all her heart and it showed. You could tell after just a few moments of being in a room full of Ozuroviches that Baba had to be one special lady. She could quip back with witty comments, show tenderness and genuine care to those who she knew needed it and let’s face it, she survived a house with 4 boys and that alone makes her deserve trophies and awards! These 4 boys all became outstanding men who have raised amazing children of their own now and you could tell that Baba was so overwhelmingly proud of them. I am grateful to be a part of this legacy.


Lesson #2: Love your Husband with all your heart.

            Baba met the love of her life when she was 16 and his name was Andy. She was head over heels in love with him until the day she left this earth and I have no doubt in my mind that she is still head over heels in love with him. I never got to meet Andy or Djedo as he was called by his grandkids but boy do I wish I had. They were soul mates. Companions for life. I am sure they had their hard times in marriage as everyone does but they persevered and enjoyed life together. They traveled and celebrated and everyone that knew them loved them. I pray that Matt and I will persevere and travel and celebrate and enjoy life together in the same way. 







Lesson #3: Take pride in who you are.

            Baba took immense pride in her Croatian heritage and she taught that pride to her whole family. They have lamb barbeques, prepare Croatian treats for the holidays and talk about Croatia at every family get together. Matt was lucky enough to visit Croatia with Baba in 2008 and I can tell by the way he talks about the trip that being there with family instilled in him this same sense of pride. I know that Matt will teach our son this pride and this makes my heart happy.






Lesson#4: Always have a full plate and a little room for dessert.

            I am pretty sure the first thing Baba said to me was “Did you get something to eat?” Followed by “Do you have a plate?” and “Did you get enough to eat?” She always wanted everyone to be fed and provided for. This could come from raising a house full of boys but more likely is that Baba cared for us and food was the best way for her to show it. Baba also had a sweet tooth and so there was always a little dessert. Rostule or Struedel anyone?!?




Lesson#5: Be passionate about something.

            Baba loved the Dodgers. To say she was a huge fan would be an understatement. She proudly displayed an autographed ball and an Andre Ethier bobblehead and if the Dodgers were playing, she was watching. Baba loved the Dodgers so much that at 90 she made the trip from LA to Arizona to watch spring training. She couldn’t see well but I believe that she soaked in everything about that trip; the smell of the grass, the crack of the ball against the bat and the memory of being there with her granddaughters. I hope at 90 I am so passionate about something that I will travel hundreds of miles to enjoy it.





Lesson #6: Be generous.  

Baba was generous in so many ways. She would give anything to her family if they asked or even if they didn’t. She was generous with her time, her money and her love. She was so welcoming to me as I became part of this family and I am forever blessed by that. I pray that someday I am remembered for my generosity as well. 

           

So those are just a few of the lessons I learned from this amazing woman. 

Baba, I miss you but I have hope that I will see you in eternity. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Mrs. Ozurovich

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