The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 51: 40 Scare

Short Chapter,

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Worries. I had so many worries and they were for Elvis. Linda, his girlfriend, told me that he hadn't been out and about since Christmas. It was now January 8th; our birthday. As a matter of fact, it was Elvis' 40th birthday. I don't if he wasn't in high spirits because of his latest concerts or the fact he was getting older.

I was recieving multiple calls from Linda, Tom Parker, member of the Memphis Mafia due to Elvis' condition. They say he was in a deep state of depression and was hoping I could fly out to Memphis and try to get him out of his bedroom. Everyone was on the phone lines at Graceland, and the chaos was hard to bare.

Sam Thompson: "Lilly, Elvis isn't getting out of his room."

Me: "It's not my fault he's staying there."

Linda: "We're trying to get him out of there... is there any way to get him out?"

Joe: "Only if his mother Gladys was still alive or maybe if Priscilla was still here."

Linda: "Gee Joe, you don't think I'm good enough for him?"

Me: "Why did you guys call me? You're wasting your time."

Sam: "Is there anyway you can fly to Memphis and help us?"

Me: "No, I'm celebrating my birthday with my family and would like no one in Memphis bothering us right now."

I hung up the phone and enjoyed the day with my family. A part of me wanted to call Elvis and even fly to Memphis but Elvis had to help himself. I was now slowly loosing hope for Elvis' health and his life. As much as a close friend should help and give a positive message to an individual, no one can help a person with their demons.

A couple days later, I recieved a call from Elvis. He wished me a belated Happy Birthday. His speach was slurred, and it seemed like he was tired. He would be talking about multiple subjects, and he wanted to do something special for Rita since she turned ten years old. I turned down the idea because he needed to watch his health and take care of himself than worrying about other people.

A few days later, all of the use of drugs and poor diet would catch up with Elvis.

Linda woke up in the middle of the night and finds Elvis having a difficult time breathing. He was admitted to Memphis' Baptist Hospital. Linda called me and was very worried for Elvis.

Linda: "Dear lord, I knew it was going to happen but I prayed that it wouldn't. Lilly, Elvis was taken to the hospital."

Me: "My word.. is he alright? He's probably having one of those episodes. Are you okay, Linda?"

Linda: "I'm better... I thought he was gonna die when I found him! I was terrified. I guess Dr. Nick is saying that he has a liver problem and will be hospitalized."

Me: "This Dr. Nick who I still don't trust is probably trying to lessen the drug use of Elvis. I mean, if it will get Elvis back on track, then Elvis should stay at the hospital for a while."

The next event that happened was even more frightening.

Vernon suffered a heart attack while Elvis was in the hospital. What was ironic was that he was placed in the room next to Elvis' hospital room. My brothers, Michael and Nathaniel, stopped by the hospital and dropped off flowers and get well cards from the family. Michael was now nineteen and working as a part-time bodyguard for Elvis, while Nat was a Senior in high school.

James, William, Rita, and I flew to Memphis to visit both Elvis and Vernon at the hospital. Vernon was sleeping when we arrived to the hospital so we visited Elvis' room. Everyone was trying to fit in the room! All of the Memphis Mafia, nurses, doctors, and Linda were surrounding Elvis.

When everyone noticed we were there, they cleared out and it was only my family and Elvis. Elvis was a bit bloated and gained some pounds, but I'd consider him in good shape... physically. He was smiling and just relaxing when Rita gave him the flowers.

Elvis: "Thank ya bambina for gettin' the flowers. Wow, you and your brother are growing really fast. By the way, happy belated birthday to you. How old are ya now?"

Rita: "I just turned ten."

Elvis: "Congratulations for reachin' double digits! At least it's not as bad as fourty. You look like an awful like your mama."

Rita: "Thank you."

Elvis: "Now look at William. You're gonna be what... fourteen this year?"

William: "Yes sir. And don't forgot going to high school."

Elvis: "Geeze, I remember when you were a lil' baby. I see that you're taller than your mama. How tall are you?"

William: "Five foot ten in a half."

Elvis: "He's gonna be a giant!"

We all laughed. Elvis always made everyone in a better mood. Will and Rita sat in the chairs feets away from we were to allow James and I to talk to Elvis. James was concerned that Lisa Marie wouldn't have a father in a year or two. His uncle passed away when his cousins were eight, six, and four years old. It was a horrific experience, and he didn't want Lisa to go through that experience.

James: "Elvis... imagine Lisa Marie not having a father. My uncle passed away in a plane crash when my cousins were eight, six, and four. It affected their lives forever."

Elvis: "I don't plan to leave my daughter."

Me: "Your health will shorten the time you have on this world, Elvis. You wouldn't witness Lisa graduate from high school, walk her down the aisle on her wedding day to the guy she loves unconditionally, or meet your grandchildren. I know you still love Priscilla, and you have many years to try to get her back and get the family you wanted from the beginning. Stop taking the drugs. Please try to stop taking them. We could help you try and stop."

Elvis: "You guys need stop worryin' about me. I know you guys care an awful lot and that's why I love y'all. I just have to take the drugs to keep up with my schedule."

A guy enters the room and Elvis introduces us to Dr. Nick. I wanted to ask him if he was a licensed doctor who knew what he was doing! It wasn't the time or place to do so. We hugged Elvis goodbye and headed back to California.

Elvis was released from the hospital on Valentine's Day and that "Dr. Nick" made a schedule for when Elvis is given his meds from either him or a nurse. I was hoping this was going to improve at least something, and Linda was becoming a bit hopeful.

Everyone was overwhelmed with Elvis' crisis. But now I was concerned for Linda. Was this emotional rollercoaster strengthening or weakening their relationship? Time would only tell.