Kevin, Uncle Bob, and Elvis

Little over two years ago my Uncle Bob passed away. My brother, Kevin, was really close to him and his passing really affected Kevin. One thing that Kevin and Uncle Bob shared was their "love" of Elvis. My uncle actually grew up with and was friends with Elvis. When they were in high school Elvis and my uncle and their friends were all sitting around listening to Elvis play the guitar. My uncle actually told Elvis, "Too bad you won't be able to make any money playing that guitar." My uncle and Elvis grew up in the same projects in Memphis, Lauderdale Courts, which is located right beside St. Jude. Anyway, last night was the big candlelight service at Graceland. Below is an email i received from kevin this morning.

As you all know today is the 30th Anniversary of Elvis' death. From 2001-2004 Uncle Bob and I would go to Graceland on the night of August 15th for the festivities and the Candlelight Vigil...we always had so much fun. We would always get a hamburger at Checkers on Elvis Presley Blvd...take it to one of the stages and eat it while we watched "Elvis" perform. We would walk around some more, go into the gift shops, and make our way the the big screen and watch concert highlights...then we would make our way to the street and always sit in front of Graceland and watch the fans make their way up the coffin. Every year I made Uncle Bob tell me all of his Elvis stories...they never ever got old. We made so many memories together down there from Uncle Bob tripping on the sidewalk and both of us laughing until we cried, to him always always running into to someone who had, at some point, bought some Elvis memorobillia from him.

The 25th Anniversary year Uncle Bob and I couldn't believe how many people were there for Elvis. I think there were about 30,000 people there. I remember clear as day when Uncle Bob said, "I just can't get over how many people are here for just one man. I can only imagine what it will be like for the 30th Anniversary. I bet there will be about 75,000 people here that year (wouldn't you know it...he was right!!). I hope I'm still around for the 30th" When he told me that I replied, "Well, if you're not around I'll come down here for the both of us." I felt like at that point Uncle Bob had found a pretty good Elvis buddy.

So, I had plans to go down there by myself last night but Melanie said she would go with me because I think she knew it would be kind of hard on me to go there by myself. I'm so glad she went. We got down there and she was so amazed at how many people were there. She said, "All of this for one guy!" I said, "Yup..and Uncle Bob knew him". I found Uncle Bob and mine's spot in front of Graceland in the middle of Elvis Presley Blvd. We sat down in our chairs and I started telling all of Uncle Bob's Elvis stories as best I could. She enjoyed them. I attached some pictures from last night..the last one is a guy drawing with chalk..really impressive.

I had fun but it was not near as much without Uncle Bob for obvious reasons. Every year we went to this Uncle Bob and I got a little closer and that's what I looked forward to the most. As I was sitting in front of Graceland last night I kept wanting to look over and talk to Uncle Bob and ask him an Elvis question and it was so hard realize that he was sitting right beside. It was so odd being at Graceland without Uncle Bob. Towards the end I realized Elvis and Uncle were looking down last night watching us...and that brought a smile to my face.
Kevin at Graceland

Melanie and "Elvis"