Sunshine and rainbows came to Dianne Odell's house on Friday 

By JACQUE HILLMAN
The Jackson Sun
Jul 18 2004

The new red begonias at the Odell house in South Madison County were cheerful despite the rain pouring down Friday. Freeman Odell met us, trying to open two umbrellas at once to get his guests into the house so they wouldn't get too wet.

The gray sky outside was unimportant inside, where the news of the day was like a holographic rainbow in Dianne Odell's room.

Stella Parton, actress, singer, motivational speaker, scampered in to visit Danne, Tennessee's polio survivor in an iron lung. Stella made it safely despite her 6-inch-tall red stiletto heels, stylish with her red floral capri pants, a cream-colored blouse and the biggest smile you ever saw.

Dianne, who loves silk scarves and hasn't worn shoes in many years, still studies and admires everything people wear in to see her. She'll be able to tell anyone who asks exactly what Stella wore.

Parton's son Tim Rauhoff, an East Tennessee attorney, was traveling with his mom. He wanted to meet Dianne, whose courage and beautiful spirit inspire everyone she meets.

''Where's our girl?'' Stella said, walking into the room with the ''yellow submarine'' iron lung. ''Oh, your hair looks so beautiful. You just look great.''

''Hey, Stella,'' Dianne called, a grin stretched wide. She was worrying about not having on her makeup.

''Hey, you know what? I'll just pull out my makeup kit and we can have girls' makeup time,'' Stella said.

It's been a tough few weeks for Dianne, who's had more trouble with kidney stones. But she wanted to tell Stella exactly what the news is:

''Jane Seymour and James Keach came to see me, and they're going to do a movie about me,'' Dianne said, a brilliant smile on her face. ''They brought the twins and their daughter, and we talked about everything.''

No dates are set for anything yet. It's just in the talking stages, but it means everything to Dianne.

Although she's totally paralyzed, she does not meet Medicare regulations to have her home health care paid for. The movie may make the difference in funds that can pay for her home health. And Dianne sees it not as a tribute to her life, but to her parents.

''My mom and dad are angels on this earth,'' she's said many times. ''I want this movie for them.''

(read more about Jane, James and Dianne )

After movie star talk about retaining creative control, the two segued into talking about actor Christopher Reeves and his health.

Dianne really didn't want Stella to leave. The iron lung keeps Dianne breathing, but four walls, a window and a TV are her confines. Her mind has no limits, and talking with visitors is a joy.

So when Stella left, she went straight to the Kerry campaign event at the VFW on Airways, and she and David Keith began talking about their mutual friend, Dianne, afterward. David helped with the last gala for Dianne. He's sent her photos of his little girl, Presley, and he calls the Odells as often as he can.

Former Sen. Max Cleland, who is a triple amputee from Vietnam War injuries, wanted to know all about Dianne, and as he headed out of Jackson toward Memphis, he was already on the phone calling her.

So it may have rained into our lives, but Friday was pure sunshine for Dianne. If only we could make it that way for her every day.