In the above photo, Gladys offers Elvis a pair of clean undies to wear at a benefit concert at Russwood Stadium. The sweet and truly personal moment of a mom looking after her son, taken at Elvis’s home at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis, was preserved forever by Alfred Wertheimer. (Card 273 of The Elvis Collection from the Wertheimer Collection)
When Elvis told his mom that he was going out to drive around on his motorcycle, she cautioned, “You be careful now.” Elvis put his arm around her and offered a comforting, “It’s okay, ma. I’m a big boy.” Elvis was always thoughtful to Gladys and generous with his time and money. He was quoted as saying, “Whatever I own, they own.” (Card 275 of The Elvis Collection from the Wertheimer Collection)
In www.neatorama.com, Miss Cellania, writes about Elvis and his mom’s very close relationship in Gladys Presley, the Mother Elvis Presley Worshiped:
Card 325 of The Elvis Collection/Elvis: Personal Life.
Gladys is universally described as a protective mother. Gladys would give the other kids a beating if she thought they were messing with her boy Elvis. Elvis would get a taste of this medicine himself if he ever disobeyed her and ran off to play sports—which Gladys emphatically forbade and banned.
It was always Gladys, and not father Vernon, who did the disciplining in the Presley household. She walked Elvis to school from his earliest years well into his teens. When he finally protested and the joint walks ended, Gladys would often shadow her beloved son back home at the end of the school day, making sure he returned home safely. At school, Elvis was told not to eat with cafeteria silverware and Gladys gave him his own set of silverware to use at lunch. All through Elvis' growing up, Gladys inculcated into him how special he was. In his turn, Elvis promised his mother he would someday be a big success and buy her a big house and a mink coat.
From all of us at SIDEBURNS Magazine to everyone in a mothering role, we wish you a very happy day!