One of my favorite things about Gladys was that she was, first and foremost, a loving/caring/protective Mother regardless of what anyone else thought/etc. Had Gladys of been "any other type of Mother" the World would never have known the talents of Elvis Aron Presley.

Gladys was a CONSTANT worrier about Elvis and she had terrible dreams/visions about him being hurt/injured all through his life. When Elvis became successful there was not a "more proud" Parent who ever lived. Elvis tried to give her "present after present" but while thanking Elvis she always said "son, you didn't have to do that". She could have had anything from him but his love was all that she needed.

Gladys was part Jewish and she always told Elvis to be PROUD of what he was and who he was. For most of Elvis young life (i.e. prior to selling records) the Presleys did without owning anything of value but Gladys always made sure Elvis' clothes were clean, he was clean, and that they shared their faith in God openly.

When Elvis got drafted into the Army, Christmas of 1957, this affected Gladys greatly. Though she was a worrier she was never a complainer and she kept her health/medical issues to herself and tried to keep as many tears away from Elvis' seeing them as she could. She cried herself to sleep and went to bed crying. Her heart ached and she got so bad that, when Elvis was in Germany, she was admitted into the Hospital. She was in DIRE shape (i.e. bad condition).

Elvis rushed home from Germany to visit her at the Hospital. Though she was felling awful when Elvis entered the room she "perked up" and they held hands and talked. The love of her life (i.e. Mother to a Son) is a very strong bond indeed. She would not leave this Earth until she SAW, with her own eyes, that her son was..."ok".

Elvis, after rejecting the offers to over many hours, opted to leave the Hospital and go get some sleep. Gladys Presley died while Elvis was out of the Hospital.

Even in terrible medical condition her strength, in wanting Elvis not to worry about her, came through...again.

One of the many "lessons" she taught me, through her life, is that the relationship between family is the FIRST AND FOREMOST relationship outside of God. With true love, honor, support, etc. a family can achieve anything...and get through anything.

Gladys Love (Smith) Presley may you be reunited in Heaven with Jesse, Elvis, Vernon, Dodger, and others who you loved. You will not be forgotten because you GAVE from the most special place of all...your heart.

THANK YOU Gladys Presley now...and forever.

Jeff Schrembs,