ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
GET TO KNOW ME
Gloriann Dawson
*Who is she? Gloria, 57, is the author of a book being released in June called "One Daughter's Story." The Rockford resident and her Yorkshire terrier, Chloe, are direct-care and eleventh-hour volunteers for Northern Illinois Hospice. What inspired you? My book was inspired by journals I kept while taking care of my mom as she battled breast cancer for nearly 10 years. Also, the hospice nurse assigned to my mom encouraged me to go further with my journals.
*What's next? I am writing a sequel to
"One Daughter's Story" about taking care of my dad after my mom
passed away. He is gone now also.
What do you for fun? When time permits, I love to knit. I also play golf, love to watch NASCAR races, and I train and show my two Yorkies, Chloe and Bella.
*Good book recommendation: "One Daughter's Story."
*Something you cannot live without: I can't
live without my dogs in my life.
If I won the jackpot ... I would quit my regular job so that I could devote more time to my hospice work. Also, I would travel and write.
*Something surprising about you: I've never been married.
*Best advice: Go with your gut instinct.
*Worst advice: Back in high school, someone told me to smoke cigarettes because "all of us are doing it."
*Favorite place to go in the Rock River Valley: I love to wander the Sinnissippi Gardens and lagoon, or you can look for me and my friends, at any one of our fine restaurants that has a deck or patio.
*Describe yourself in one word: Compassionate.
*Biggest challenge: Taking care of my mom and dad after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was a life-changing experience and, at times, very stressful and overwhelming.
*First job: I was a sales associate and model for Jan's on Seventh Street back in the 1960s and 70s. She had the first real boutique in this area, and the clothes were fun back then.
*Biggest pet peeve: People dining in upscale restaurants talking on their cell phones while' eating. They should step outside the dining area so they don't disturb other patrons.
*Favorite childhood memory: Our family used to spend summer vacations at Silver Lake in Mears, Mich. We would ride the sand dunes in dune scooters and ride horseback through the cherry orchards.
*Something you think the Rock River Valley
needs: For me, I would like to see the airport continue to grow and get more
direct flights to other large cities.
Compiled by Mifca Doyle. Have a suggestion for Get to Know Me? A story idea? Call 815-987-1350 or e-mail local@rrstar.com.