By Susan Diamond
This is a story about a modern-day American Princess and her Prince Charming. It is not a fairy tale. It’s a true story and, it doesn’t have a totally happy ending.
But it does have hope.
Princess Elizabeth was daddy’s little girl until the day he walked out on the family and left them mired in debt.
It wasn’t only the family jewels and their great fortune that went missing. When Lizzie’s dad skipped town, he stole his little girl’s innocence along with her mother’s five-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
The marriage is over and, the family is in shambles. Lizzie is broken-hearted, angry, resentful, and bitter. Yet she holds on tight to her faith in God. She and her mother have a mess to deal with, and she prays for a way out.
The answer to her prayers comes by way of her grandmother. Nana Shaw is her Mom’s mother. Nana is a strong woman with an intimidating demeanor. Her father used to call her “Iron Lady” and some other names which are not nice at all.
I’ll share a little background about Nana Shaw, and you’ll understand how the privilege and entitlement get passed down to the female generations in Lizzie’s family.
Nana grew up rich. Nana’s mama grew up rich. Nana’s mama’s mama grew up rich too. The Wilder’s maternal family tree dates back to Dutch royalty late 1700’s.
Nana was widowed early in life. Papa Shaw was a physician who used his generous income to invest in stocks, bonds, and real estate. At 39 years old, Nana Shaw was in charge of a healthy portfolio that keeps her wealthy until the present day when her daughter finds herself dumped by her husband and penniless.
Nana Shaw to the rescue – with conditions. Lizzie and her Mom are to sever all ties with anyone connected with “the bum who did this.” That means Lizzie doesn’t see or talk to her father, paternal grandparents, cousins, aunts, or uncles. It means revenge in the form of lawsuits, both criminal and civil.
It’s a strategic plan of nastiness to the highest degree.
Adding to the loss of her father is the loss of her...read more
