Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Somehow, I totally lost my story about “The Day We Lost “Elvis the King,” so I shall try to re-write this.

For those thinking I’ve lost my mind, I haven’t — it was a ‘computer glitch!’

Thirty-four years ago, America and the world mourned when the death of Elvis Presley was announced. 1977 was a different time! Computers were still – just a dream in every home. Now, we have such a high-paced busy world we cannot even share dinner with family or friends without checking e-mail or text. Sometimes, we must get back to the simple things in life.

Thirty-four years ago, Elvis Presley was living his dream, although he paid a high price for that life. Addicted to so much medication he could not function without them.

Last year, December 2010, to be exact, my husband and I took a vacation to Memphis, TN. Every where we went, Elvis was alive. Strangers shared stories with us. True or not, they were quite entertaining! One particular woman shared a story and I will quote it here, in her words:

“I was standing by the bus stop once when a good-looking guy dressed in black leather rode by on a motorcycle. A Harley Davidson. Oh, it sounded so tough, just like him. He nodded as he passed and I smiled my biggest smile. A few minutes later, he rode by again. Only this time, he stopped. He asked me if I wanted to ride. Since he was so cute, I said, ‘sure.’ So around we rode on his tough sounding motorcycle. He sang to me while cruising around and I remember telling him he had a good voice. He laughed. ‘Honey, I hope so,’ he said. We stopped for ice cream and that is when he told me his name. ‘I’m Elvis Presley,’ he said to me. I laughed, unimpressed. A few minutes later, he pulled a ring box from his pocket.

‘Keep it, to remember me,’ he said.’

I didn’t keep the ring, giving it to a friend. I guess I just didn’t know who he was, but I’ve never forgotten that cute guy riding his motorcycle. Laughing and joking and singing to me.”

Who cares if the story is true, or not, but the memory of Elvis Presley, his generosity and kindness to strangers, the many gifts he shared with others, all of these stories are simply a reflection of the true Elvis Presley. The rebellious, gorgeous kind-spirited ‘cool looking guy on a motorcycle’ who rebelled, stood his ground and accomplished so much.

Rest in peace, Elvis Presley. Your legend and memory lives on and will be forever not just a memory but an icon for all who dreamed and believed that we can all do it, “My Way!”