On what would have been his 85th birthday, here is one of my favorites from the show.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Today's video - Love Me/ Elvis
I know I've mentioned my mother here on the blog, and put up pictures, but I'm quite sure I've not told you this story. When I was 25, Tom and I sat in the waiting room while my mother was having her gall bladder out. The doctor came in and told us that they found pancreatic cancer, and she had 2-6 months to live. This was March 18, 1973, and she died exactly a month later. I really can't remember that month at all, only that it was awful. But there was one bright light, one hour or so when I was able to completely immerse myself in something else, and that was the televised version of Aloha From Hawaii. I took the phone off the hook, and Tom and I just watched. We are both huge Elvis fans, and watching him now I still feel there will never be anyone to top him.
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What a shock that must have been. I had my gall bladder removed last January because of a cyst on it. Thankfully they didn't find anything else and the cyst was benign.
ReplyDeleteIt changed me forever.
DeleteOh Nan, that must have been terrible for everyone involved! Poor you, poor your mother.
ReplyDeleteYes, Elvis is not called "the King" for nothing. He could have very well lived to see his 85th birthday. Like so many, he died way too young.
It really was just terrible, and it has defined me ever since.
DeleteThat's so true about Elvis, and I'm sure he still would have been a handsome fella.
I don't think you had told that story before Nan, either here or through our other correspondence over the years. I'm glad that Elvis could provide you with some comfort at that time and also now. One of the restaurants here had a big Elvis day yesterday - special food, etc. We ate there on Monday evening so didn't go back, but it was fun to think about.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I was sure I'd told you and L and T over the years.
DeleteI'd love to have gone to the restaurant. Wonder if they served the Elvis sandwich?! https://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2008/04/elvis-sandwich.html
What a tragic and shocking and heartbreaking event that was. And you were so young, Nan. And you really had no time to prepare for it. Not really. I am glad Elvis was able to take you away from the pain for a little while.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was. A life-defining event. So much of who I am comes from it.
DeleteMy father had died five years before - both of them on Maundy Thursday, and burial on the Saturday before Easter.
Yes, good old Elvis.
Pancreatic Cancer is horrible. My Mother lasted 3 months after diagnosis. I bought a new vehicle to soothe my soul. I still think of that vehicle now and then. Elvis could transport people with his voice. I am glad you found solace there in those musical notes being delivered is such a way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry.
DeleteIt still is a death sentence. Some live a little longer, but I haven't heard of anyone who has lived a long time.
My "soothing" was a bit cheaper than yours. haha.
Thanks for sharing that story about your mother, Nan. That is a lovely video. You may be right, it would be difficult for anyone to top Elvis. He had a beautiful voice and was such a good performer.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wondered about putting it up.
DeleteHe sure was!
Nan, that is so sad! I' so sorry that she wasn't able to live while your children were growing up. How you must have needed her so many times.
ReplyDeleteI love knowing that you love Elvis. He was to me what the Beatles were to my little sisters. I always feel tenderhearted for him when I hear him sing. I didn't realize today was his birthday. I'm sure that the gospel songs he loved so much are some he is singing in heaven.
You are so right. There have been countless times over all these years.
DeleteI loved Elvis and the Beatles. There's a fun radio show that a fellow does every week. The Mop Tops and the King. You may listen to recent shows here, if you are interested. He has lots of tidbits, as well as songs.
I remember that Elvis TV SHOW very well. Do you remember that Ann Margaret had a show on that same night, right after his? (Or was it just before his, can't remember that!) Anyway, you know I love Elvis.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad about your mother. I know she was a very special lady because her daughter is. xx
No, I didn't know that. I'm sure we turned it right off, and the phone back on, as soon as it ended.
DeleteThank you for saying such a nice thing.
Nan, I have never stopped listening to Elvis. I listen to him more than other singers and bands like the Beatles.
ReplyDeleteYou constantly surprise me!
Delete