The Story of My Mom: Gloria Vanderbilt
Friday, January 06, 2012
Gloria shares how she has remained resilient through it all. Anderson also surprises his mom throughout the hour with special guests, including Diane von Furstenberg, Kathy Griffin and a special performance by Gloria’s favorite singer, Judy Collins, who performs Amazing Grace, the same song she performed at Carter’s funeral.
Community Question
Were you inspired by Anderson’s mom, the remarkable Gloria Vanderbilt? What's the story of your mom?
Join the conversation.
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Comments
Dear Anderson
Thank you for youe show about your mom, it was one of the most touching shows I have ever seen. You are amazing and so is your mother. I now need to read some of books and will check out her website. Thank you
Anderson, you are an amazing person and now I know how great your mother is and how she shaped your life.
What a great show.. Happy moms day to your mother.
Jim
By far my favorite show was the interview with his mother Gloria. It was an hour of love and dignity which is seldom seen on t.v. today. The pride and love they share is touching and so missing in families today. I have yet to see a show that Anderson hasn't handled the guests in a gentlemanly way whether he agrees with them or not. He is a class act and I never miss his show.May both he and his wonderful mother share many more years of love and joy together,they both deserve it.
Never have I seen more dignity than while watching Gloria and Anderson.The love and respect they showed each other restores my belief in humanity. They both have and their crosses to bare and both have done so with pride and humanity. I will never stop watching Anderson his charm and honesty are refreshing.
Hey Anderson! My mom was telling me about your mother's book about her struggles dealing with your brother's suicide, and how she handled it and got through it. I wanted to get the book for a friend whose son committed suicide right before Christmas. However, I can't find it anywhere, and when I searched the internet I found it...out of print, but there are still copies out there that run $60...-$500! Yikes. I am disappointed. I will have to see if the local library system has it, and just tell my friend to check it out. Thanks.
First of all I love your show!!!
Last week I was fortunate enough to catch the re-run of your show with your mother! She is a beautiful, intelligent and strong woman. I don't know how she made it through all the trauma she did, but she did - god bless her!!
I have been through many rough times. Most recently, I lost my only son ( I also have a daughter) on 3/20/2011. This was a month shy of the horrific accident (4/18/2007) that altered our lives forever. My son, Jeremy loved to work with his hands. So, He attended 2 schools to become an automotive mechanic. He did very well.
Aproximately 6 months after graduating from automotive college, he was working on restoring a vehicle and unfortunately, the gas tank exploded while he was under the vehicle' Luckily, my husband (Steve - a volunteer fireman as well as Jeremy- a week earlier Jeremy was in a car rescuing others after a car accident) was nearby and ran in the garage to pull Jeremy out and put the fire out on Jeremy - then the garage later.
Jeremy ended up with severe burns to 56% of his body. He spent 5 months at our nearest BURN/Trauma unit. During his stay he suffurred so much. He lost both of his arms, part of his intestines, went through many grafts,tracheostomy and a brain injury due to loss of oxegyn, and almost died many times. We spent life on a roller-coaster!
After4 months they wanted to release him from the hospital, but would only send him to a nurshing home type facility because of his night use of a ventilator. Because I had already stop my life, had taken a long leave from work, we decided that Jeremy's best choice was to return home and I (Mom) decided to stay home and care for him. We were able to remove the vent within 2 months with the help of our local hospital.
Jeremy and I spent so many special times together, but unfortunately, after almost four years of fighting, mainly infections, Jeremy passed away 3/20/2011 at the age of 24. Well, that tore my heart apart. I knew that there could (would?) face this,but I was never ready and I still am not!! Losing him has left the biggest hole in my heart and feel I will never get over it. No parent should have to bury a child it doesn't work that way and it sucks.
Anyway, I just want to develop the strength of your mother!
If you are interested in more info: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jerlath. or YNN news station Rochester, NY Finger Lakes Times, Geneva, NY or try a google of Jeremy Lathey.
Thank you for your time and thank you to your Mom for letting me see I may go on.
Mary Kay Lathey
Geneva, NY 14456
mklath@rochester.rr.com
I was very inspired by Gloria Vanderbilt. She is a remarkable woman at 87. I found her to be very empathetic & kind, a caring woman to the audience members who had lost a loved one. I hope she will be on again. She is an encouragement for all boomers & has come through sorrow with grace. Judy Collins' song was very apt. Thank you.
I have always admired your mom since I was young. It is my understanding she is the godmother of one of the children of a famous puertorrican singer. Thanks a lot for opening a part of your private album. Regards. Sandra
That was such a delightful and also such a moving show with your Mom, she is so precious! Wow, she remains such a genuinely beautiful person through and through, a mentor and inspiration to many. How fortunate you are to have her. I love that she still believes in love and romance! Most of my family has passed on and I lost a brother tragically too so really appreciate your sharing from your hearts, it helps so much. I really enjoyed your family stories and family photos as well. Absolutely terrific show!
Anderson: Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your show. Inspirational is the best word to describe it. My mom and sister kept telling me what great things you had on your show..like your mom and John Edwards...I kept taping Anderson360... until I realized it was a new show! Our family has also had much tragedy. When I was 11 my brother died. He was 15 and it was very unexpected. It tore our family apart. My parents were divorced soon after. My dad would not let us mention my brother's name for 10 years. Luckily my life got better when I met my wonderful husband...I was infertile but we were able to adopt 2 beautiful newborns. My life seemed perfect. Three years ago our daughter Tara passed away at the age of 17 unexpectantly. (Dr.'s screwd up!) I couldn't believe it could happen...she like my brother was so healthy. I also somehow felt I was immune to such loss since I had already survived so many losses in my childhood. (including my best friend Tara (my daughters namesake) at the age of 14. Your mother's book was very comforting. The main reason we have survived is because like your mother we have a wonderful son who is now 15. When your mother says she only lived for you..I can relate. I also wanted to make sure my marriage stayed intact. My daughter loved her family so and I knew how much my parents divorce affected myself and my sisters. My daughter now shares the horrible date of 1-8 with the other losses in Tucson where we are from. We recently have opened our hearts to include a foster girl named Chloe. She is 11 and talk about a rough beginning to her life. Our hope is to adopt her soon. One of the songs that was played at my daughters service was "I hope you dance" the line that I try to remember is "love might be a mistake but it's worth taking". Your mom sure lives that theory. Please give her my love and keep up the good work. Sincerely, Tina Baker(Tucson) Tara Ann Baker 6-17-1991-1-8-2009
always enjoy watching you, your mom is amazing and looks amazing.
I have had at any given time at least 30 pairs of your moms jeans, been wearing them for as long as I can remember, well made reasonably priced and always fit, thank you Gloria Vanderbuilt, for years of comfort. I am 65 as of jan. 8th
Thank you so much for your lovely show. Your mother is an inspiration to us all. I lost my beautiful son on September 25, 2010. He had a psychotic break and took his life. My husband and I have been very frank and honest regarding his death. I want to thank your mother for her honesty regarding what happened to your brother. It is so important to let others know they are not alone. My husband and I are now Team Captains for The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation on the West Coast (formally known as NARSAD).
We are also in the process of working on a film about our experience with our son. If you can, check out www.jasontennies.org - it will explain what happened. Once again, thank you so much for having your wonderful mother on your show. She is truly an extraordinary person.
Hello Anderson, I jus*****ched your show with your Mom. I live in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I am 55 and really grew up with the fame of Gloria Vanderbilt, her iconic style and grace, to her Jeans and Fragrance. How wonderful to see her on your show. And, by the way it is the first time I have gotten to see your show. I think I will be recording it daily now so I can see it when I return from work. Your mother is still such an inspiration as are you. I think your humanitarian works are extraordinary. I also like the fact that you are so real and don't mind showing emotion. I don't normally comment online on shows, but had to after enjoying this show so much. Next, I will check out Gloria's website for her art. Thank you again for a great show! Karen
I have always loved to watch Anderson on CNN and hear the stories of his mother. This is the first time I have seen his new program. I really enjoyed his interview with his mother. My mother passed away Sept. 2010 and is still fresh in my mind and we miss her very much. I am the oldest of eight children, I have six brothers and one sister. My brother Andy died from lung cancer at the age of 43 in 2005. I am 56 and Anderson seems like a little brother. I wish you the best Anderson. May you and your mother have a wonderful New Year. I know she is very proud of you. You have done so much to help others tell the stories of their life. May God Bless you.
Anderson ,you and your mother are the epitomy of serene,pure tender and unexplained love between a mother and child.I lost my mom 10years ago,and watching you help with my on going healing Ilove your show.Inow know the source of wit,kindness big.courage heart, good looks and humor. we are blessed to have you.Icontinue to pray for you and your mom.
Thankyou