Who is Bella Abzog from Out on a Limb and what is their importance?

Bella Abzog is a friend of Shirley's who has political ambitions. Shirley is close enough to Bella that she feels comfortable sharing with her the experiences Shirley has with Kevin, a trance medium. Bella is the first of many to warn Shirley not to go public with her beliefs. Later, however, it will be Bella who will help Shirley make the decision to write this book and share with the world all she has learned.