A Lady With a Story
By Amber
@AmbiePam (92708)
United States
November 18, 2024 1:55pm CST
This is Diana, my dad’s wife (my niece Amyra is on the right, niece Annelyn is on the left). She married my dad after my mom died of dementia at the age of 55. We originally knew her from church camp every summer when my sister and I were kids.
Eighteen years ago, she was in a car accident , and was in the back seat. The backseats had lap belts. The force of the crash made the belt go through her stomach. As a result, she has no muscle for her stomach. The mesh they put there to keep organs where they should be doesn’t work well, so sometimes during the day she goes to lay down so everything in that area of her body settles back in where it should be. My dad and I told her she shouldn’t have to put up with “things” poking out, and that maybe in 18 years they have better material to keep organs in place. She just contentedly tells us it doesn’t bother her too much. We aren’t going to push it on her. I think her daughter tried to get her to check out options too.
So Diana’s birthday was yesterday. She turned 71, and I’m grateful for her presence in our lives. Her daughter, granddaughter, and and goddaughter took her to an authentic tea house Saturday, which I thought was sweet. She’ll get her present from me tomorrow.
31 people like this
31 responses
@Juliaacv (51190)
• Canada
18 Nov
She looks like a lovely lady, of course her 2 sidekicks there cannot help but to improve her mood and her big smile.
I cannot say as though I blame her for not seeking corrective surgery.
In fact, I know that there was a mesh that was used in some surgeries that failed and caused terrible problems with some patients. I believe that it was with regards to mesh used to help correct bladders.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (180660)
• United States
18 Nov
I bet that was fun. I haven't been to a real tea house in years. That would be a neat Mother's Day thing for my mother or maybe a birthday idea. Maybe I will try to get up there for M's day this year. It would be a fun thing for the 3 of us to do. Last time we all did something like that though..Sis started complaining about me picking at a muffin or something..like it was the biggest deal in the world. She can be so petty sometimes. It ruined the time for everyone.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (180660)
• United States
18 Nov
@AmbiePam She can never let anything go. I don't complain about the stuff she does. It isn't like I am crazy about everything she does either.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79833)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
That pretty lady with that smile looks like she is doing just fine as she is, Glad you had a good birthday,
4 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (62476)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
18 Nov
Wow. I didn't;t know that was a thing.
Sounds like she;s strong and a trooper.
What did you get her for her birthday?
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (92708)
• United States
18 Nov
@thislittlepennyearns I saw that one! It was really cool. I started buying advent calendars for the kids last year, and decided to get one for my dad and Diana too. I was lucky to get one free, but the others I had to wait for a sale this year.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62476)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
18 Nov
@AmbiePam Thats so cool. I've seen some advent calenders on TikTok that I wish I had the money to buy.
Like this one!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gilmore-Girls-The-Official-Advent-Calendar-2024-Christmas-Gift-Calendars-Girlmore-Girls-Fans-Merchandise-Adventure-Vacation-Idea-Set-Adults-Girlfrien/11965024223?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=102480852&adid=222222222271196502
3 people like this
@much2say (55601)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Nov
A happy belated birthday to Diana . . . what a special lady to have in your life! Love the photo - those smiles are precious. Though a different situation/cause, I think I may have something similar to her, but a minor one. I am told it's fine as long as you can live with it. Things don't actually poke out for me, but something in there "flips" - and then I have to straighten myself out to get it to flip back into place. No pain, but feels flippy strange when it happens.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
I don't blame her for not wanting to go under the knife. Again. I think she's doing well for being 71.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
@AmbiePam I know my husband doesn't. He needs to to fix something in his shoulder and he's not interested in surgery to fix it.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (106192)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Nov
Happy birthday to her. That's a lovely picture.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41423)
• United States
19 Nov
Happy birthday, Diana! You are so blessed to have your family in your life. I'm sorry about your accident...maybe medical science has created something that would help you now. I know it must be a difficult situation for you. I'll pray for you.
Cute photo of the girls!
2 people like this
@freelancermariagrace (27970)
• Philippines
19 Nov
Happy birthday, Diana! Wishing you many more to come. I'm glad her family took her to an authentic tea house, and it was very nice of you to get her a gift.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37442)
•
19 Nov
She sounds like a special lady for sure, and I am more than sure she is happy to have you in her life as well, Amber. 
2 people like this
@allknowing (136365)
• India
19 Nov
Living trough what Diana is going through is commendable. She is a pretty lady I see. A birthday wish is on its way
2 people like this
@luisadannointed (6189)
• Philippines
18 Nov
She's very brave and a good hearted person I think, the way you talk about her shows that she's kind and that you love her.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
19 Nov
Happy birthday to Diana. She sounds like a warrior and someone who is very positive. I am sure that people around her feel blessed to have her in their lives. Wishing her more years of happiness.
That's a very sweet picture.
1 person likes this
