The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 54: 1976

As everyone grew older, they reminisced about the good ole' times. It was January 1976 and another year went by. I didn't have any New Year's resolutions because everything was perfect the way it was. Elvis and I were friends again, my family was complete and closer than ever, and I began working again. I received a call from Elvis late in the night which awoke the baby and our new pup, Tex.

Elvis: "Hey Lilly, it's Elvis."

Lilly: "Elvis, did you forget my family and I sleep at 9 every night? It's 11
right now and you woke up the baby."

Elvis: "I keep forgettin' sorry. Anyways, are you and your family doing anything from January 4-14? The guys, Linda, and I are headin' up to Colorado for my birthday and wanted y'all to join us."

Lilly: "Hmmm... Let me check my calendar. Well, Rita and the twins go back to school on the 10th while my Will and Josh go back on the 5th. James will be busy with the high school football team, since they're going into the playoffs. Let me talk to James and see if I can go to Colorado with the baby."

The next day, James and I decided that Lucienne and I would be in Colorado from January 4-9. It was the third of January and I needed to go shopping for warm, winter baby clothes for baby Luci to wear.

The winter trip to Colorado was very entertaining and fun. Although I spent most of the time nursing the baby, Elvis, Linda, and the Mafia did silly antics on the trip and kept me company.

Linda voiced her concerns about Elvis and her suspicions of other women in Elvis' life. Was I surprised? Not at all. I was waiting for Linda to walk out on him. Linda was such a sweet, caring,
and loving gal who needed a man who would was faithful to her.

February came along and Elvis was considering buying a home in Colorado. He owned so many places and the people who mostly occupied them were friends. It made no sense. Eventually, Elvis decided to not go through with his plan because of the local police. They questioned is bizarre behavior and mood swings. His problems were affecting his personal choices.

Fast forward to May and my family were making last minute decisions for Will's 15th birthday. My oldest son was going to be 15! Elvis called on May 2nd asking what our plans were for Will's birthday.

Elvis: "What are y'all planning for Will's party?"

Me: "We are having a party at our home. Will's inviting his friends; guys and gals. There's going to be lots of food, music, and swimming in the pool. The whole family is going to meet his girlfriend. Will says the boys will play a game of football, but that's it."

Elvis: "Will has a girlfriend? Say it isn't so!"

Me: "Her name is Brooke, and she seems like a nice gal who is studious and has school spirit. She's a freshman cheerleader at Will's school."

Elvis: "How would you feel if Will celebrated his 15th birthday in Las Vegas?"

Me: "Vegas?! For a 15-year old? Most certainly not."

Elvis: "I have a present for Will. I know he doesn't have his license yet, but I think he's a responsible young man. Everyone started learnin' how to drive his age."

Me: "Elvis, you don't have to buy him a car. You're too generous to everyone around you."

Elvis: "I already bought 3 cars for some of the guys. I can afford a fourth for the occasion. Besides, I know Will has been admiring a Pontiac Ventura he saw in a catalog."

On Will's birthday, a 1976 black-Pontiac Ventura was parked in front of our home. Will was so surprised and ecstatic about his gift from Elvis. Later that night, he rang up Elvis and thanked him for the present.

You'd think 1976 was a happy year for Elvis. It was far from it.

Vernon fired Sonny and Red West. They both called me and ranted about how they believed Vernon planned this. Everyone knew Vernon didn't like the people who hung around Elvis. Thank goodness for Lucienne! She began to cry as I was beginning to become tired of their rants and accusations. What Sonny and Red decided to do next was unexpected.

They decided to write an all-tell book about their experience with Elvis. I was certainly sure they would focus on drug usage. I became enraged! What more did they want from Elvis? He's been through so much I felt they should part ways with respect. I cut all contact from both of them and planned on not reading their "bully" book.

I got Elvis to cheer up when we celebrated Lucienne's 1st birthday. Lisa Marie was also at the party. Elvis enjoyed spending time with his princess whenever he could.

After 4-years of dating, Linda parted ways with Elvis. She sensed that Elvis had another woman in Vegas when he sent her home. It wasn't long for Elvis to find a new girlfriend. He began dating Ginger Alden, who was 21 years his junior. I remember meeting her family way back in the 60's, but I don't remember Ginger in particular. Hopefully, I would meet her again; maybe sometime next year.

New Year's Eve was when I prayed the most. I thanked God for all the good and blessings he has given me and my family. I prayed for Elvis' faltering health, hoping he would overcome his obstacles and become a stronger person mentally and physically.

There was something about the year 1977 that made me somewhat worried and scared. Was it about Elvis? Probably.