Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Di]

Elvis commissioned family friend Janelle McComb to write something special for him to give his father Vernon for Christmas 1976. It was presented nicely framed. This is the text:

To Dad

I not only live for today but for the day
after today. I have pursued my vision and
reached the mountain top. But the peak of
a mountain can be a lonely place. I want to
thank you for understanding. I learned
early in life that only by filling my
existence with an aim, could I find an
inner peace.

I want to thank you for giving me
intangible gifts. You gave me gifts from
your heart – understanding, tolerance and
concern. You gave me gifts of your mind –
purpose, ideas and projects. You gave me
gifts of your words – encouragement, empathy
and solace.

Respect is avid; it wants to contain
everything and to retain everything. To you
my father – my friend – my confidante, I have
an avid respect.

Thanks for always being near the top
of the mountain when I needed you.

Your son,
Elvis

[Wanda June Hill]

So beautiful and I am sure it meant so much to Vernon, especially after his son died. Elvis loved the poems and prose that Mrs. McCombs did for him, he really liked the one she did for Lisa-it was so strange that he did those things-considering he was hopeful during those days...maybe what he said all along he knew deep down, "don't have much time...got to get busy...man, time's goin' so fast..." wjh

[ALNA]

I'm sure he knew Wanda

[Rainbow Light]

Yes, am sure he did, too.

Many thanks, Di, for posting this for us!! Just so beautiful!

[MaryInTheMorning]

I feel he did too dear Wanda. It seems like he was trying to take care of all matters of the heart, home and life as well(business things, etc...) in that last year or so. It has been said before and it bears repeating that our precious Elvis was so VERY wise beyond his years. Thank you so much sweet Di for posting this absolutely beautiful poem that Elvis gave to his Daddy. I am sure that Vernon must have treasured it. Wanda I have a quick question for you--I had read before what you said above about how much Elvis loved the beautiful poems and writings that Mrs. McCombs did for him. My question is, I have read elsewhere(although I do NOT believe it at all) that even though Elvis loved what she wrote for him, he didn't actually really like her and that he would hide whenever she came over to the house as she was more a friend of Vernon's??? Can you shed any light at all on this my friend? Like I said, it doesn't sound the least bit believable to me but I thought I'd ask you anyway. Hope it's ok to ask you this Wanda.

[FairyTale]

This is a New Poem for me, I thought I would bring this back up since Wanda didn't Mari's Question, Elvis I know in my Heart Cherished Everything Mrs. McCombs Wrote. Very Beautiful Di Thanks! FairyTale!