Auntie Glo and the Dancing Machine

About the Book

Recognizing the effects of her failing kidneys, Gloria voluntarily entered a hospital hoping to be treated and be back home the same day. Almost one year later, she returned home, but not before her entire life was turned upside down. Refusing to go to a nursing home, she returned home by stretcher: her mode of transportation for several months. With a constant flow of physical therapist and nurses, her caregivers listened carefully and were present for most sessions. Among the family members was a little child who also listened attentively to all instructions. See what happens to the woman who was once told she might never live alone, she might never walk again, she might never drive, and she might lose her life. And if she lived, she’d live without legs. How does she come back from such negative results to high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, stress, anemia, and doctors eager to amputate her legs? What can she do to keep herself alive? When—what day—would she be without the pain of bedsores, the pain of skin grafts, and the pain of needles? An angel is needed, and it comes in the form of a dancing machine.

About the Author

Fascinated by the theatre, nursery rhymes and the Caribbean islands, Gloria Stephens grew up with a father who loved books and a mother who loved people. Born to Moses and Henrietta Bennett Stephens in Jacksonville, Gloria learned to appreciate island life early on because of her mother’s South Carolina influences with Geeche and the ocean. Attending Jacksonville’s local schools, she attended Florida Community College (now FSCJ) for her AA, the University of South Florida for her BA in Speech Communications/English and later completed all but one class for a MA in Organizational Development at USF. Professionally, she has worked for Eckerd College as Director of Minority Services in St. Petersburg; the SouthWest Florida Water Management District as a Public Information Specialist in Brooksville; as an adjunct instructor for Jacksonville University and FSCJ; and twelve years as Center Administrator of the St. Stephen Child Care and Learning Center, where she is also a member of the church. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Gloria started a theatre group in every city she lived. For twenty years the BlackTown Players was her effort to give youth and adults in Jacksonville an opportunity to explore drama and poetry on stage. Directing shows, reciting poetry, cruising the Caribbean, interacting with youngsters, and listening to music all give her great joy. With a new life challenge of being a dialysis patient, FreseniusMedicalCare has a video of her recent health on YouTube as “Gloria’s Thrive On Story.” Being both positive and adventurous, she’s excited about authoring her next book.