Earlier this week, I went to eat lunch at one of the local Chinese/Japanese restaurants. This restaurant is close to where I work. It is also my family’s favorite place to get sushi so I am there often. Because of the threat of an ice storm, I was wearing a heavy coat. I was also wearing a hat. I don’t wear hats that often but when I do, I usually wear one of the hats from my trips to Graceland.
Most of you know that I visit Graceland each year for the Candlelight vigil in observance of the anniversary of his death. I am not a big fan but I am fascinated by the phenomenon of Elvis and enjoy spending time with his fans. I go each year to people watch. I started making these trips in 2002 on the 25th anniversary of his death and have gone each year since. The most interesting parts of these trips is spent talking to Elvis fans and finding out more about them.
My waitress noticed my hat and asked me about Elvis Week as she took me to be seated. The last several times I have been to this restaurant with my family, this same waitress has taken care of us. She doesn’t speak very good English and I don’t think she knows that much about Elvis Week. But she does know about Elvis. She told me that she and her husband were married at Graceland. I asked her what her favorite Elvis song is. I never understood what her answer was but I do know that they sang it for her at the wedding along with “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”. I did understand that her husband is a big Elvis fan. I think he also sings Elvis songs. He may have done the singing at her wedding.
I tried to explain to her that I go each year to the candlelight vigil and a little bit about what it is. She got excited and said, “Next year, I will go with you.” When I said ok, I think she was a little concerned about how I took her reply and she quickly told me “My husband will come too!”
I really enjoy spending time with people who have a passion for Elvis and want to talk about it. That is the reason I continue to visit Graceland each year. I also think it would be really fun to go with this lady and her husband. My wife has never expressed an interest in going with me on my yearly trips to Graceland. When I told her about this, she immediately expressed an interest in going. She thinks it would be fun to spend time with these people. I think it’s a great idea. I go to Graceland for the show and sometimes I take the show with me. Anyone else want to go?