I love Elvis Presley, the white jumpsuit one. The Vegas 70’s guy. For my mother’s 40th birthday we bought her a K-tel compilation album of Elvis’ greatest hits. There he stood. Mid-pose, sparkles galore, on a royal blue background. I always believed he was singing “Big Hunk O’Love” in that picture.
Why do I love Elvis? Because my mother loved Elvis. He made her happy. She loved his soft voice, she said. The “Love Me Tender” voice. {Side bar: my father disliked Elvis. Turns out that before Elvis became the king he was “just” a truck driver. My father took issue with the “just” portion of this sentence as he spent most of his life around trucks and mechanics and to him it was more than “just” truck driving} Together my mother and I watched Elvis movies, read his biographies, played his music. Elvis solidified a relationship that was already rock solid.
I love Elvis because he was everything comfortable and handsome, a Southern gentleman with huge triangular side burns (Dad you replicated those side burns, don’t deny it). Who wouldn’t want to hear you’re fantastic, be called a lady, and be thanked profusely (“thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, you’re a fantastic audience”) over and over again? Me please! If you listen to his live performances repeatedly, as I do, you begin to believe you are fantastic and a lady, someone to be respected. And there’s nothing wrong with that. No sir, ma’am!
Elvis is a sweetheart of a memory, a beautiful smile with amazing cheekbones. His presence in my life is still one of comfort. Recently my daughter and I suffered a great loss. One of my earliest coping mechanisms was to dig out some Elvis tunes. That smooth, consoling voice of a man, who brought nothing but goodness to my life, has helped me through some pretty dark times these past months.
15 Responses
Absolutely love this, Melissa. Can’t wait for your next entry.
Your recent journey has indeed been a tragic one. I believe your coping mechanism will serve as inspiration for others.
One of my closest friends journeyed to the other side of forever two decades ago. I always picture her swooning over The King while sharing a cup of tea and an Oreo cookie. Chippy and I were both atrocious cooks but those Oreos and Elvis were a great consolation. When we are hurting turning to life’s simple pleasures soothes the soul.
Thanks Elaine!
❤️ Loving this Melissa 👍
My first comment! You are the best, Janice!
Lovely Lovely 🙂
Thanks Hannah. Too sweet.
I always wondered why you were such an Elvis fan (besides the obvious lol) Looking forward to this journey my friend ❤️
Thanks Ang!
💜❤️💜 I often wondered if you “found” Elvis on your own or if there was a greater influence. I now fully comprehend the “safeness” and happiness his music brings you. 💜❤️💜
Xoxo
Your love of writing is obvious. Well done!
❤
There’s always more to every story, including your Elvis story. And here I thought your love was for the obvious reasons.
I look forward to following your journey via this blog, Melissa. What I have seen over the past several year and definitely the last year is a strength of character that has far surpassed most. Now to read about the further strengthening of an already impressive woman. Thank you for letting us journey with you.
💕
*years
Thanks Pam xoxo