Gloria Is My “New Mom!”

Gloria is in the middle and she’s my new Mom! I also gained a sweet sister, Wendy.

This is my 87-year-old neighbor, Gloria. We lived next door when we were wintering over in Apache Junction, AZ (near Phoenix). She loves to dance and makes her own dance clothes. She is whip-smart, quick-witted and we really enjoy her as our neighbor. I try to join her at 3:30 pm on her porch everyday where she has a glass of wine and I have a cool glass of water.

May be Gloria Mom is on to something drinking 1 glass of red wine everyday afternoon.

When Gloria and I first got to know each other, she said she always wanted daughters but had boys. My parents are deceased, so she decided to adopt me! It was special for both of us. I even got a sister out of the deal because Gloria “adopted” Wendy years ago because of similar circumstances.  We talk every Sunday evening. 

Gloria Mom had adopted Wendy probably 20 years ago as they’ve known each other for 29 years. I took this image for them to celebrate their beautiful bond, and we waited until the yellow rose bush was blooming, called Lady Banks.

One evening, I missed my sweet neighbor, so I made sure I was ready with my camera one evening to capture her before she went to boogie on the dance floor. Another night, Jeff and I snuck into the dance hall to see her dancing. She looked radiant and, of course, she was the best dressed!

GloriaMom goes dancing every Tuesday night and sometimes every Saturday night during the winter season. She makes her own clothes. The top row was a top and bottom made from a bedsheet. She’s very resourceful.

I want to be like Gloria when I’m 87! That means I better learn how to dance, plus I need to work on my quick wit. 

I loved going on walks with Gloria. Jeff and I got to celebrate her 87th birthday with her. Sister Wendy and her husband Gene were there too.

It means so much to have a mother figure in my life. I was missing that wise mother love and I’m happy to have it. Gloria Mom is an inspiration to me. I look forward to my Sunday calls with her.

I gave her an important book - How Not to Die by Dr. Michael McGregor. I hope she reads every word and keeps living her best life! I promise to be back 2 winters from now.