The last picture in this year’s summer special has probably one of the most beautiful stories behind it, again one that proves what a very emotional man Elvis was… On this picture we see Elvis together with Janelle McComb, undoubtedly one of the most dear friends of Elvis, he knew her since he was barely four years old. Long before fame and fortune entered his life and he lived in Tupelo, she was one of the family’s closest friends. Janelle was a very good writer and back in the autumn of 1971 Elvis would ask her for a favour… For her fourth anniversary Elvis wanted to give Lisa-Marie a special present. Together with Janelle he looked back to his childhood, and the poverty he and his parents knew. But he also remembered the good memories, the values of life which his parents had tough him. He wanted Lisa-Marie to know them also. Because, Elvis said; “I may not be here forever.” So the idea arose of writing a poem for Lisa-Marie, ‘The Priceless gift.’ Janelle brought the poem to Graceland, Elvis was deeply touched and happy with what she had written. He quickly went to hide it for Lisa-Marie. When he returned downstairs, Elvis was crying. Janelle asked him if he wanted to sign her copy of the poem. Elvis was happy to do that for her, but when he wanted wipe away a tear on the page with his elbow, his signature was lubricated. Elvis found it terrible that his tears had stained the page. But Janelle didn’t think so, “Because” she said; “one day these tears will be just as priceless as this poem is for you.” On the picture we can see Elvis and Janelle with the poem. You can read this wonderful poem at the member area.

Read more: Summer Special: Elvis and Janelle McComb

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