Lily Alcott
Diamanda was a lifesaver when I was young. My sister and I decided to go to NYC for a weekend with our Canadian friend Beth. It was Springtime and we were in high school. Our Uncle made a reservation at the NY Hilton for us. We took a bus into the Port Authority and prepared for a touristy weekend. At this time we had cash! We had no credit cards. My concern was paying the hotel bill. I collected everyone's money and put the money in the hotel safe. We talked about how much money we needed for food, gifts and to return home. Somehow, something went amiss in our communication. Sunday morning came and we had no bus fare or lunch money. My sister and Beth looked at me. I said, "I will call Diamanda". Diamanda had taught us how to ride the subway and we took the subway to her house. She made lunch for three starving travelers. The Provenza's decided it was a good time to visit my family. They put us in the car and drove us home. It was a surprise for my parents and my parents made Sunday dinner for one and all My story tells of a great trust and a deep and abiding friendship. This story illustrates how Diamanda when we toured NY with her taught us how to use the buses and subway system which was a wonderful gift. We were blessed to have Diamanda as a "guardian angel". Love, Lily
