Diana England's Rose (Continued)

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The entire world was shaken.The only story on all the channels was the death of Diana. The paparazzi chase and car crash had been reported Saturday night, but I had not known. If I had, I may have maintained an all-night vigil awaiting news of her survival.But she did not survive. Every woman I know, of every age and background, mourned her. Diana was young, beautiful, and world famous, someone seemingly able to defy death. No one could have predicted that the world's unceasing fascination with her would factor into her death.I turned off the television. All Diana had wanted was to enjoy some moments of a private life. In her death, I thought it best to leave her alone. A week later, I did get up early to watch the televised funeral. As soon as it was over and Peter Jennings began reiterating the high points of the eulogy, I turned the TV off. She's gone; let her rest in peace.My memory of the Princess includes an actual Royal Sighting. It sounds very impressive to say she and I attended the same concert. We were in the same place at the same time. The summer of 1985, I went to the Live Aid concert at London's Wembley Stadium. Diana was with Charles in a box seat. I was in the crowd of 70,000 with a scalped ticket and no seat. The Royal Couple was announced and they waved. I returned to college telling everyone I partied with Chuck and Di.We were all on a first name basis with Diana. We knew of her unhappy marriage, her fabulous gowns, and her role as England's goodwill ambassador. She lent her celebrity to many charitable causes and connected with people of all races, gender and status. Princess Di was dubbed the People's Princess and the worldwide outpouring of grief was unprecedented. The sad fact is that Diana didn't know how much she was loved.By all accounts, the title she cherished above all others was that of mum to her boys. The images of her beloved sons walking behind the funeral procession were the most heartbreaking. Diana would not see her sons grow up.Diana was dead at 36 years old. We paid attention to where she went, who she was with, and what she wore. We should've paid more attention to her actions. Diana helped raise funds for more than 100 charities. She once said, "The biggest disease this world suffers from . . . is people feeling unloved. I can give love." That she did.An enduring legacy, and in that respect, we can all strive to live like a princess. (To return to original article beginning, click here.)

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To read a bio of Kelly, click here, it is actually aFreeport Journal Standard column welcoming her to the newspaper staff.

So, here is Kelly Epperson's book, "When Life Stinks, It's Time to Wash the Gym Clothes," and I highly recommend it. She writes of everyday life, about her two boys, her husband who she calls, 'The Man Of The Place," about when they lived in France and about her special hiding place for Double-Stuff Oreos.