PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
For the Diamant sisters, there's no greater blessing than spending time with their family.
And the triplets did just that Thursday in Portland, celebrating their 85th birthday together.
Evelyn, Marianne and Amelie Diamant were born in Vienna, Austria, and endured sacrifice through their entire childhood. When Nazis invaded the Diamants' hometown, the sisters were 12 years old. That's when the triplets and their family set out for America.
"We had very, very good parents who really protected us from the trauma," said Evelyn Diamant.
The sisters, relying on inner strength and optimism, built a new life for themselves.
"She's the rock," said Marianne Diamant, pointing to Evelyn, and then to Amelie. "And she's the inspiration. (I'm) in between."
"We're three personalities in one soul," said Amelie Diamant.
Evelyn Diamant became a pediatric dentist, while Amelie went on to get her masters' degree in teaching. Marianne Diamant devoted her life to her family.
All three outlived their husbands.
"I believe we can change life from moment to moment, with a smile from the soul and a cry from the heart, and turn civility into civilization, honor, joy and Je ne sais quoi," said Amelie Diamant.
The Diamants plan to celebrate their birthdays with a big bash Friday.
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