Today is my grandfather's 85th Birthday...I couldn't let it pass without paying tribute to a wonderful Deda (that means grandpa in Czech) and an incredible man! Danny Klega came to New York from Czechoslovakia during WWII in search of the "American Dream." Shortly after arriving in New York my grandmother agreed to marry him to so he could stay in the United States and 59 years later they remain married to this day!
During the course of his life in the US, my Deda has appeared in a number of films and TV shows (including "Gilligan's Island") met and worked with countless movie stars, taken up paragliding and truly achieved the "American Dream." I admire Deda for his achievements, but even more for the spirit of determination and excellence with which he has approached every opportunity in life. Even to this day, Deda will greet everyone with a grand wave, big smile and hug that communicates the depth for which he cares. In every role he's played whether it's on screen in character, or off the screen as a husband, father and grandfather, he has given it everything he has.
When my family lived with my grandparents after moving to CA from Maryland, we made memories that my brother and I will never forget. We lived with them for over a year while we were looking for a house, and in the mean time we had the time of our lives!!! I'll never forget watching old shows, dancing to records, eating way too much candy and other European treats while we were embraced by my grandparents generosity to let us live with them. We didn't just stay at their house, we really embraced life together. Those were moments I'll never forget!
So today I celebrate my Deda and all that the past 85 years have stood for in his life. He truly has lived through some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. For a dreamer who never quit and in the process, taught us all what it means to love well. I'll always be thankful for the example my grandparents have set in embracing others with a genuine enthusiasm, making everyone that meets them feel valued within the first "hello!"
Happy Birthday Deda! We love you more than these words can express, and hope that today you know a little more about how you've impacted us and everyone else you've met!
