Valerie Sainz
I have many, many fond memories of Dianna...
I remember the first day I met her, and the times that I would visit, that she would invite me to hang out with her in her room - ah forget about Larry. She would always be giggling or laughing about something, which made it such a delight to be in her company.
I remember she always had stashes of candy tucked away in her room - out from behind a pillow appeared a snickers bar or open a draw and find lollipops.
I remember that she loved hamburgers and was always willing to go for a burger run, even way late at night. I always know what was on the menu when I visited.
I remember that she loved the pool, and the hot tub, but when we went with her, it was like a picnic - she brought along chips, sodas, snacks and chicken - it was awesome!
And we were lucky if she made BBQ chicken for it was the best!
I remember that she liked to go for walks through the neighborhood and would invite me to join her when we visited. She would bring along loves of bread to feed the ducks. And it was during those times she opened up and she talked about many personal things and I got to know her better.
I even remember when she asked me if I would like to hold her newborn baby "Priscilla Nicole"- and how special that made me feel. She was a proud, devoted and attentive mother, centering all her attention and love around her daughter. Nicole was wrapped in love.
She was an absolutely beautiful bridesmaid in my wedding, and of all photographs of that day, the one with her and Nicole is by far the loveliest and the most memorable.
Among the many laughs, I remember the time Larry and I went to play Bingo with her and Lujuana. According to Dianna, Larry and I were not "doing it right" and were asking too many questions - we all laughed so hard the whole evening, she had Larry and I in tears. Her laughter was so contagious. The more she laughed, the more we laughed. It's an evening I will never forget.
And looking back - Dianna was my daughter's favorite of all time for she always slipped her candy and offered to take her anywhere was wanted to go. She truly was the first person to introduce LaRae to candy, giving her lollipops at every turn. And every time we left from our visit, Larry and I would later discover that Dianna had stuffed a bag of candy in LaRae's luggage, with a word to LaRae -"don't tell your mom or dad". Indeed she was the sweetest, most fun-loving aunt. My daughter loves Aunt Nan!
She enriched our lives in many ways. I will treasure my memories of Dianna and thank the Lord for all the laughter and all the wonderful times I spent with her and for knowing the beautiful person she was. LaRae, Nolan and I will truly miss her.
Our heaven is now much sweeter though and we look forward 'till the time when we will see her again
Sincerely, with love - Valerie
