GINA MORTIMER STORR

Although she is more than 70 years of age, my mother, the incredible Gloria Mortimer, is more active than many 40 – 60 year olds I know, me included! She is recently back from a trip to China and has also traveled to the Mediterranean, Europe and off course North America, including the US,  in recent years. Never missing a beat, she is always present early to many social events at home and abroad. Her energy and go- gettedness (is that a word) never ceases to amaze me. She is truly a “Super Hero” in my book!

My daughter shared with me how, not very long ago, she agreed to accompany my mother to an event and was making arrangements to drive her there, only to be told “I’ll drive my own car because you young people don’t know how to party, and go home too early for me!!”

Gina, Kesley and Mama

She refuses to ride into the sunset. Instead, she makes the rays search her out as she moves about quickly and stays abreast of modernization. She is on Facebook, regularly uses email, calls the US on her Magic Jack and can out pace anyone I know at any mall!!!!  Here she is (with me and brother Kelsey) only some 5 years ago, participating in the DC carnival, where she “rushed” the full 3.6 miles in 100 degree weather!!! (her second time participating!!!)

Since I relocated to the US in 1998, the one regret I have is not being able to spend more time with my family, and most of all, my precious mother. Although I see her fairly often (I did tell you she travels  and is always on the go right?), I yearn to see her on a daily basis and often dream of the time I will again be able to pull up at her front door on any day at any hour! (Off course I would have to call first to make sure she is actually there…… )

Gloria Mortimer

Anyone who knows my mother, knows that she is the original Fashionista and her grandchildren have nicknamed her the “Fashion Police” !

As I reflect on my relationship with my mother, one of the fondest is the times, when I was a teenager and most of my siblings  were of at college or boarding school. On many Saturday’s, we would get dressed up for a shopping trip. Two stores that stand out are Del Janes and G R Sweeting, where I absolutely delighted in the new outfits we would walk away with.  Although as I recall, most of the items were for the Fashionista herself!!!! This did not matter since we  were making fond memories and I was learning at the feet of the master!

Speaking of learning, as a role model to all of her children and grandchildren, and anyone else who had the good fortune of interacting with my mother, her organizational skills, social skills, ability to work through any situation successfully and, her general sound work ethic, have proven to be an integral part of who I am and I am grateful for the example.

If I could become only a fraction of the woman that my mother is, I would deem myself successful and in every encounter with her, for the rest of my life, I will continue to learn from her as she continues to evolve and grow, no matter what life throws her way and I have yet to meet a better role model.

"Wonder Gloria"

These lyrics from the song SuperWoman by Alicia Keys, could indeed have been written with my mother in mind!

“Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes, I’m a Superwoman

For all the mothers fighting
For better days to come
And all my women, all my women sitting here trying
To come home before the sun
And all my sisters
Coming together
Say yes I will, Yes I can

Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am”

On this day when we celebrate mothers, I am so grateful that I am spending time with my brother Kelsey, niece Autise (we are attending her graduation from college)  and three of my favorite mothers: my sister Denise, sister-in-law Monica and my hero, my mother Gloria Mortimer, nee Burrows!

Celebrating graduation from Newberry College, Newberry SC - Gloria Mortimer, Kelsey Mortimer Sr., Autise Mortimer, Denise Mortimer, Monica Weathers Mortimer, Gina Mortimer Storr

God Bless and Happy Mother’s Day to every mother and every woman who has nurtured any child.

5 Responses to “My Mother is my SHERO!”