REAL MOMS OF THE METRO
“Forget about a clean house; you can do that later. You don’t need fancy meals. Do the best you can. Love your babies and give them hugs. Tell them and yourself that things are going to be OK.” Gloria Palacios
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FINALIST Gloria Palacios
didn’t have it, sit by people who didn’t have anyone, saved our neighbor’s daughter from choking … we’re carrying on his legacy.” In addition to her faith, Palacios says it’s her 47-year marriage to Rito that bolsters her. Rito is her best friend who helps remind her who she is, supports her in every way and provides calm to counteract her tendency to worry. Palacios says the secret to a long marriage is to pick your battles, remember why you chose each other and make time for each other with regular date nights. When Palacios considers her most important values as a mother and grandmother, she says she believes firmly in the value of kindness, not judging others and being respectful. Conversations always have been and still are very open in their family, and Palacios advises parents to consistently ask kids open- ended questions to engage with them, and while they’re living at home, require more time spent together than each retreating to their own spaces. Especially when she speaks with female veterans who are overwhelmed with motherhood, particularly during the pandemic, Palacios first tells them to keep up the good work and then offers advice that’s been helpful in her journey. “Forget about a clean house; you can do that later,” said Palacios. “You don’t need fancy meals. Do the best you can. Love your babies and give them hugs. Tell them and yourself that things are going to be OK.” Learn more about the Roger J. Palacios Memorial Scholarship at pwp-12.com.
give could truly save someone.” Worse than the fear for her family, worse than changing clothes in the garage and immediately showering so as not to bring germs into her home, worse than when she contracted COVID herself, have been the times patients died alone. “People need people,” Palacios said tearfully. “No one should have to die alone.” The value and power of familial support is palpable for the Palacioses, even when they had to gather virtually instead of hosting their typical big Sunday dinners. “Glam-ma” to 23 grandkids (with one on the way!) and four great-grandkids, Palacios is a hands-on grandmother known for baking, crafting and encouraging mess-making. As her grandkids have gotten older, she’s also a trusted adviser. Palacios is called “Glam-ma” because her motto is that she always feels better when she puts on mascara and lipstick. That mantra was passed down from her own mom and visually represents the importance of taking time to care for herself and summoning her inner strength against life’s most challenging days. Remembering son Roger’s quip about quitting is bittersweet. Twenty-three years ago, he was killed in a car accident before he turned 16. Two years ago the family created the Roger Palacios Memorial Scholarship in his honor, raising nearly $20,000 in 2021 to provide 10 scholarships for high school seniors and anonymously help community members who need groceries, clothing or assistance paying bills. The 2021 fundraiser will be held July 31. “He helped people all the time,” remembers Palacios. “He had a tender heart, would rally against bullying, give lunch to someone who
Gloria Palacios vividly remembers sitting at her kitchen table, surrounded by homework for nursing school after a full day of work, class and caring for her seven children. Exasperated and overwhelmed, she looked at husband Rito and said, “I can’t do this. I need to quit.” Before Rito could open his mouth, their young son Roger quipped, “Good. If you can quit, that means I can quit, too.” Palacios laughs at the memory now and says that conversation comes back to her whenever she feels like quitting anything. “I am my own worst critic, but you just have to do the best you can do,” said Palacios. “Our kids are watching everything we do.” Palacios didn’t quit and has long been a much-revered VA nurse in south Oklahoma City. She also hasn’t given up on her patients or profession during the most frightening year of her career. She’s been afraid she would contract the virus and pass it on to those she loved, especially her daughter Mia who is pregnant. But she’s also been afraid for her patients, with whom she’s known for creating special bonds by truly seeing them and giving her undivided attention. And that dedication to her job and the veterans she serves hasn’t wavered, even through her masks and layers of protection. “I pray with my patients and they pray for me,” said Palacios. “You never know what anyone is going through and the smile you
32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021
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