The Promise of Elvis (Presley) by Jeff Schrembs
Many people know the name Elvis. Many know Elvis Presley. Some know Elvis Aron Presley. Others believe it was Elvis Aaron Presley. Few knew E.
E was the nickname that members of Elvis closest friends used when addressing Elvis. Few people are known throughout the World by their first name, let alone an initial, but such was the impact/importance that Elvis made on those that knew him and the millions that wanted to know him along with the billions that wanted to be him
and/or be with him.
Sadly, Elvis Aron Presley died (at age 42) on August 16, 1977. I recall that day many times throughout the week and it never ceases to overwhelm me with so many
emotions. Respect for the type of man he was. Love for the music, and entertainment, he gave us. Disappointment in the fact that he suffered many illnesses and felt alone. Sadness in understanding that he is/was really gone. Anger for him leaving his young daughter and for leaving so many unanswered questions. Acceptance that he is in Heaven along with his beloved Gladys. Hope that others will learn about him and the many contributions that he gave onstage
and off. Sorrow for knowing that never again would I be able to hear an Elvis song for the first time which always brought a smile to my face and a song to my heart. Forgiveness to those who knew Elvis was in ill health and yet, for whatever reasons, were unable to assist him and thus prolong his life. Encouragement for Priscilla, and EPE, knowing that in so many ways they were victimized all the while the fact that Elvis LOVED Priscilla (until the day he died) AND EPE allowed Graceland to remain the fans to visit - and for Lisa Maries future (monetarily) to be
secure. Overwhelmed knowing that Vernon would have to endure without his son and he was in ill health. Prayer for all of Elvis relatives, those who he employed, and those who loved him. Faith that he left enough of his soul that the name Presley would mean (literally) excellence and his blood, sweat, songs and tears would forever be sought by music fans Worldwide. Realization that we all will die
even Elvis.
Now that I have surpassed the age that Elvis lived, which I shake my head often unable to fully grasp that fact, I know that there are many facets to Elvis that either are taken for granted or the story never fully told. I believe that one facet is the promise of Elvis. Let me explain.
We, as humans, learn through our senses (i.e. sight, sound, touch, hearing, smell). Books are filled with lessons but (sadly) far too many books remain
unread. However, when we can CONFIRM that something was real and that this reality lived and breathed, loved and overcame, cried and shared their pain, then we learn and accept and it becomes imprinted into our heart/soul/mind and we KNOW it to be
real
and true.
Part of the promise of Elvis was that we can dream. Regardless of our status in life, and/or lack of, we CAN dream.
Part of the promise of Elvis is that God exists. We can praise him, seek his understanding, honor him through our endeavors, read the words of the scripture, carry the dignity of his love in our soul, and sing his praises/blessings.
Part of the promise of Elvis is that talent is colorblind. If someone has talent it rings true
to our very soul. We FEEL it. Whether it is in the strum of the guitar, the beat of a drum, the pick of the fiddle, the blow on the harmonica, the key of a piano, or the struggle of the vocal cord to adequately represent an emotion
we FEEL it and when it is right and I mean right
it holds our gaze and our breath while the brain processes the reality.
Part of the promise of Elvis is that true love can be shared
openly. It is ok to show your love for your Mother, Father, Grandmother, or Friend. It is manly to honor your word and give your heart to love knowing that love knows no age limits. When a loved one passes it is the RIGHT thing to do to mourn and to
cry and there is honor in doing so.
Part of the promise of Elvis is the magnificence of friendship. Growing up together, sharing/making memories, does not mean that they are gone when one gets older or leaves an area. True friendship can be found on ships headed to another Country, under circumstances never imagined months earlier, and even on the stage performing for tens of thousands of faces.
Part of the promise of Elvis is to recognize, accept, and respect the gifts that God has given us. Whether it is in singing, being a Father, becoming a Parent, writing a song, or performing in a movie that is beneath ones ability
to do your best
always.
Part of the promise of Elvis is helping others. Doing so privately, without benefit of IRS deductions or publicity, but the symmetry and beauty of (truly) GIVING to another
unselfishly. To help others daily, weekly, yearly long after the music has ended. To pass along to strangers the lesson of giving.
Part of the promise of Elvis is to sacrifice for your children. Whether it meant touring for months, performing when your body says no more, or traveling great distances just to be together. It is also to let your children know, each and everyday, that they are loved
unconditionally.
Part of the promise of Elvis is to know suffering. To grow up without. To have it all and then for it to be gone. To be questioned by many with the most hurtful being questioning yourself. To know that money does not prevent life from happening or being lost. To suffer in silence and to still get up everyday
and try.
Part of the promise of Elvis is that we can be productive long past our teen years. We can be cool at 30, 40 and beyond. We can feel the pulse of new generations. We can share our stories. We can make a difference. We can be relevant. We can excel through the harshness of cameras and lights. We can look good even if it means using a hair color here and there. We can feel the wind through our hair and let loose. We can know, share, and seek love. We can be accepted. We can do. We are not dead after marriage, children, etc. We can still function at the highest degree. We can still learn and moreover
teach. We can try new things and hold onto those older things that work. We can obtain, and seek, wisdom in those
older and (sometimes) in those younger.
Part of the promise of Elvis is to honor ones Country. To take pride in the Flag. To honor those who gave their lives. To accept, and make the best of, the fact that many times ones Country will ask
the unthinkable and to stand up smile and say
yes.
Part of the promise of Elvis is to be human. To laugh. To smile. To be embarrassed. To be ill. To love. To care. To hope. To dream. To try. To think. To strive. Each of these things never taken for granted for they convey to others just how much we ARE alike and how we express ourselves without
words.
I am THANKFUL that I grew up in a World where Elvis was allowed to be
Elvis. I dont mean the Elvis that is a snippet of news or an annual gathering but EVERYTHING that is/was Elvis. For all the joy he gave from celebrating the rhythm of Thats All Right Lil Mama to being on top of the World with songs like Dont to losing so much and hearing it in Solider Boy to coming back and hearing Fame and Fortune to the Hollywood songs from Blue Hawaii to Your time hasnt come yet baby to the Majesty of If I Can Dream to adulthood of Words to the magnitude of You Gave Me A Mountain to the finality of Moody Blue
and everything in between.
I believe that the promise of Elvis is carried on by Priscilla, Lisa Marie, the Presley Family, EPE, and his Fans. Elvis imprint remains in this mans heart, soul, and life. I know that long after I am gone that so many others will seek out, be subjected to, and enriched by the life legacy loves of Elvis Aron Presley and that is a good thing
.I promise.
Take care and God bless.
Jeff Schrembs 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ElvisCollector.info
wwww.ElvisCollectorWorld.com