Senior of the Month 

Diana Abalos was born on July 20, 1960. She has lived in La Union all her life. Her parents were Francisco and Adela Galindo of La Union (both deceased). Diana was lucky to have grown up in a big family where she has a strong support system. She has four brothers (two deceased) and six sisters. 

She was married on May 26, 1986 to Arnold Abalos and has one daughter, Esmeralda (Anthony Prieto), and 4 grandchildren (2 girls Arianna and Lola, 2 boys Anthony and Joey).

Diana is known as a generous person. As soon as she sees someone in need, she quickly devises strategies to help them in leading a more fulfilling life. Diana is a volunteer and fundraiser for La Union Helping Hands. Because she is so artistic, she enjoys making handcrafted gifts for the people of La Union on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She serves as the coordinator for the Christmas Gift Program distribution and is accountable for the Mother's/Father's Day Program. Diana has demonstrated her compassion and generosity by serving as a caregiver for our mother, Nena Gonzales, Minnie Mendez, and our sister Yolanda during their advanced age and illnesses.

Diana actively participates in community programs. They are many to list, but I will mention one that is particularly noteworthy. She established a sewing and quilting group with Sisters MaryEllen and Sister Katherine, which was attended by numerous elderly ladies in town. At their get-togethers, they shared information about quilting and sewing and enjoyed each other's company and food. Diana devised the concept of selling their handcrafted items to raise funds for a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior in the area who was pursuing a college education. Some of our children received the scholarship, and the women felt proud of themselves for helping the younger generation better themselves. 

Group name:  La Union Quilters

Diana has picked chile and onions. Her other employment was administrative assistant at GISD High School through the CETA Program, Winns, and Aetna Insurance, as well as a caregiver for Options.  

Diana is not afraid to "roll up her sleeves" and help as she senses a need in the community. She sees hardship and adversity as OPPORTUNITIES and shows her commitment to La Union residents through her volunteer work. She also tries to inspire and motivate others to participate in volunteer work. 

In her free time, Diana likes to spend time with her family, watch movies, and eat thin popcorn with her husband, Arnold.  

When I asked her what the most important thing was that she has learned in life, she responded: Never take your life or health for granted, and enjoy your family and friends. Embrace laughter, even in your darkest moments. Live and experience your life to the fullest. She would like to advise all young children to always treat everyone with respect, no matter what age or culture they are.  

On a more personal note:  Diana has experienced several personal health problems, yet she continues to remain resilient and hopeful. She chooses to be thankful and focus on the good things in life instead of the bad things.

Diana has successfully battled and overcome breast cancer. Now she must deal with the issues that come with having had brain surgery on a tumor that was recently removed. This is her journey, and she will travel it with honor and dignity with the support of her family.

I’d like to end with a quote that can apply to all of us and it goes like this:  

“Pain is certain, suffering is optional.”   

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese writer

“This quote teaches us that while pain is inevitable, how we respond to it is within our control. We may not be able to prevent a setback, but we can choose whether to let it define us or move through it with awareness and resilience.”

Congratulations Diana 

You are very deserving of this honor.

Thank you for all your contributions!