Gloria Carmines

The sunshine from her luscious yellow roses reflected in her face. Grown in her backyard, their blossoms performed their magic on the bar, mystically divided from the livingroom by a glorious carousel horse. As we settled beneath the wistful creature, my hostess smiled up at the vision and noted, "Brian always loved carousels, and that's why it is here."

Within Gloria Carmines' expressive eyes rested a sadness, not detected in her buoyant speech. The New York native's exuberant smile and energy bounced about the magnificent home that she and her husband, Brian, designed and decorated a few short years ago. It floated with her into her lovely garden in which hours of work provided her great peace and joy. There is never a doubt life challenges us daily. Wise men say our character and strength grow as we learn to handle obstacles. Great sources of strength are love and faith. Gloria and Brian had both.

From the time they met, "There were fireworks on both our parts," Gloria said. "But because I was dating someone else, it was three years before he asked me out, betting I would not go. Well, I did, and he took me to dinner at the 'Ideal Spot' in 1967." It was evident they were the ideal couple, yet circumstances delayed their union. After Brian's graduation from Vanderbilt in 1968, he went to Atlanta to be closer to his father, joined C&S Bank and was quickly drafted. Shipped to Vietnam after Officer Candidate School (OCS), he spent 13 months there, returning to marry his sweetheart, August 16, 1970. "We took off and toured Europe for eight weeks," beamed Gloria.

Upon their return to Atlanta, Gloria applied her master's in elementary education to teaching fifth and sixth-graders, while Brian went back into banking. In 1975, a unique opportunity tempted them: A fish camp on Hilton Head Island was for sale. Brian, who had always loved the restaurant business, made an offer for Hudson's on Easter Sunday. The offer was accepted, and the couple moved to the island to run their new business.

Together they threw all their energies into the restaurant, eventually hiring great chefs and managers. "There was one traffic light at Matthews Drive and no one here after Labor Day," laughed Gloria. The young pioneering couple joined several others for evenings out at Evonne's, the quiet little hideaway in Heritage Plaza, and endless hours on the beach. "It was wonderful fun!" said Gloria.

In 1977, the Carmines were presented with a precious baby boy, David, and Gloria gave up hostessing at Hudson's. In the fall of 1978, on the way to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Brian stopped the pickup truck and delivered their second son, Andrew. "The next 20 years were filled with baseball games, wonderful kids' activities, travel and family life," reflected Gloria.

Tragedy and Triumph

Of all the tragedies suffered, the out-of-sequence loss of a child is the most devastating one to comprehend. Gloria and Brian did their best to save their youngest from the untimely ravages of cancer. When it became evident that the insidious disease had an uncontrollable hold on David's body, the entire family set out to make special memories in their travels and experiences together. There was a hunting trip to Argentina and fly fishing in Belize. During those rough two years, Gloria continued teaching kindergarten. "My little people truly helped me a great deal," she said.

An extraordinary young man, loved by all who knew him, David attended Sea Pines Montessori, Hilton Head Prep, and finally, Sewanee, headed for a career in environmental law. "He was a great kid, with a terrific sense of humor. a thinker and planner," said Gloria. After diagnosed, he lived another 30 months, which was longer than predicted. His brother Andrew nursed him a great deal that last year, as they were best friends, Gloria recalled. David lapsed into a coma in 2001 while in Costa Rica where he was surfing and fishing. "He left us savoring life and all the things he loved," said Gloria. "Our faith, prayers and friends saw us through it, and I kept a journal of everything I was grateful for. I thank God he gave me such a wonderful son and friend."

The fall of 2001, Brian and Gloria proudly watched Andrew graduate from Ole Miss with a degree in hospitality management. Re-establishing her life, Gloria resumed teaching in 2002, only to resign in 2003, facing another challenge: Brian was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This time, modern medicine could help and Gloria was relieved. "His doctors designated Brian as the poster child for the disease since he has now been given a clean bill of health," said Gloria.

Always active in the Hilton Head community, the Carmines established an important tradition that continues today. In 1999, Brian began offering a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner. Hudson's opened its arms and served hot dinners from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., assisted by volunteers from St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church. Hudson's even provided transportation when needed. In 2007, they served over 2,000 people who might otherwise have spent a lonely day. "Nothing makes you feel better," said Andrew, who took over management of Hudson's in 2006. "Andrew wanted to manage Hudson's since he was eight years old," laughed Gloria.

In 2005, Gloria began substitute teaching again at the Early Childhood Center and was later offered a permanent job teaching English as a second language, which she enjoys today. Brian continues to fish (he loves fly fishing), hunt and play tennis. The Carmines enjoy playing Gin in the evenings and enjoy taking Bridge lessons. They also enjoy travel and have been to France numerous times, Africa and many of the islands. For her 60th birthday, Brian took Gloria to Paris to Cordon Bleu Cooking School.

In honor of their son, Brian established the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation in 2003 and their seafood festival, held at Shelter Cove Community Park this spring, raised over $60,000 for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, the American Cancer Association and the Island Recreation Center.

Gloria cherishes spending time with Brian, Andrew and Erin (his girlfriend), watching her garden grow and listening to books on tape while traveling. Rushing from the room she returned giggling over the latest gift book from a friend, How Not to Grow Old... as if with her sparkling skin, hair and teenage shape, she needed it! The vibrant survivor admits, "I'm looking forward to grandchildren," and wisely advises, "Love your children, and enjoy every day."