Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Rainbow Light]

30 years later, Elvis Presley rocks on


By JAMES THOMAS

On the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, I am amazed at people's continuing interest in all things Elvis.

I think the enduring love for The King is due not only to his success as a singer, but also to his down-to-earth humanness.

My first real experience with this came when I won a special visit to Graceland, his home in Memphis. The trip included the opportunity to talk with people who were close to him.

Among them was Marian Cocke, Elvis' private nurse the last few years of his life. Cocke, in her mid-70s, told several personal stories of Elvis' unlimited generosity to friends, charities and people he came in contact with.

Stories of Elvis

One story involved a young black girl who left a Memphis car dealership crying because the dealers would not wait on her. She was looking for a used car to go to and from college, and hopefully a job to help pay for these expenses. Elvis hired her to answer his private telephone line. She was able to set her own hours and was responsible for answering a phone to which only a few people had the number. He gave her a car, paid her wages and also paid for her college.

Cocke told of sitting at Elvis' bedside and watching a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cocke was a Cowboys fan and (condolences to Browns fans) Elvis loved the Steelers. At the end of a close game won by the Cowboys, Elvis said, "I love you Mrs. Cocke, but this is the last time you watch a game with me!"

[Wanda Mc]

He wouldn't have wanted to watch with me either! I was a HUGE Cowboys fan in the '70's and (Sorry, Elvis!) hated the Steelers! We'd be in separate rooms watching games.

[Rainbow Light]

This also demonstrates Elvis' beautiful giving nature, that he never forgot anyone who was in need of help in their lives, that he didn't think twice about reaching out to touch their lives and do whatever he could to 'lighten their load' in life!

[MaryInTheMorning]

:)

This also demonstrates Elvis' beautiful giving nature, that he never forgot anyone who was in need of help in their lives, that he didn't think twice about reaching out to touch their lives and do whatever he could to 'lighten their load' in life!

AMEN sweet Sue!!!!!!

[Rainbow Light]

Thank you!