Monday, July 30, 2012

35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death August 16, 2012

In a few weeks (i.e. August 16, 2012) Elvis fans worldwide will pay their respects in remembrance of Elvis death of August 16, 1977. The events of August 16, 1977 and the weeks following were a plethora of emotions; depression, uncontrollably crying, denial, hurt, despondent, angry, and most of all the questions of..."why".

Since Elvis' mother died on August 14, 1958, and Elvis believed that she was 42 years old when in fact she was 46, Elvis was devastated. He had been haunted by dreams, and steadfast belief that he would never "outlive momma". Thus the first two weeks of August 1977 were days of self reflection and the realization that his health had deteriorated consistently since mid 1972. The health issues of his dad, the mourning of his mothers loss and the belief that he was going to be the same age she was when she died, the monetary stress, the federal investigation into the plane he purchased, and Elvis complained about "feeling bad to my very bones".

Far too many people have taken sides about Elvis and his death. Some people blame Ginger Alden who was in Elvis' bedroom and was the last person to see Elvis alive. There have been reports that Ginger had taken medications as it was her "time of the month".

Others blame the authors of the book "Elvis What Happened" for Elvis' death.

In both cases those who reach these conclusions omit fact after fact without ever realizing that our time on this earth is NOT determined by us...but by our maker. So the reality is that it was Elvis time to die.

Through the years I have seen hate speech levied at Ginger Alden and her family and also to Red West, Sonny West, and others who wrote parts of the book "Elvis What Happened"? I have always responded and stood up to each and every person spewing these untruths.

Elvis loved Ginger. Did he love her enough to marry her? I don't know. Would they have stayed together had he of lived? Who knows?

Elvis loved Red and Sonny West. Red and Sonny West loved Elvis.

I believe that Ginger Alden, as any human would, and her family have (at times) been subjected to terrible comments/threats/name calling about her relationship with Elvis and that is sad.

Equally as sad are the vitriol hatred blaming Red and Sonny West for Elvis death.

Ginger Alden and her family did not deserve to have to be under attack all these years. Neither does Red and Sonny West and their family members.

I know making this statement will "offend some" but as a man of God I never expound on the "whys and ifs" but instead on the life the person lead - their accomplishments - their dreams - their circle of family/friends, etc.

I believe that if Elvis was in the room, with Ginger Alden and Red and Sonny West, that there would be reconciliation - heartfelt discussion - and perhaps even healing of the pains/hurts and a commitment to focus on what was really important and that was the real - loving - caring role that each of these people paid in the life of Elvis Presley.

August 16, 1977 was a sad day for me yet as I type these words I am saddened when I learn that people who loved Elvis, and Elvis loved them, are under attack in stead of being acknowledged, supported, respected, and having a consistent presence within EPE. I hope that other Elvis Presley Fans will support the sentiments specified herein and join me in celebrating the life of Elvis Presley...and those who were integral parts of his life.

Jeff Schrembs
www.ElvisCollector.info

Monday, July 23, 2012

Kentucky wins 2 awards USA Today (by Jeff Schrembs)

Image    Kentucky. The name is more than just the home of the reigning NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions. Kentucky is a beautiful place and home to generations of hard working, honest, caring, and loving people.


Kentucky is where I was born where I grew up knowing the value of hard work. The wonderment of having grandparents/cousins/uncles/etc. to lean upon. The knowledge that nothing is handed to you and that in this life you have but your name, your word, and your reputation.

Where families can disagree but where they stand together when it counts. Where the beauty of the rising sun, the photographic splendor of the grass, and the majesty of the crisp air breeze wraps around you.

Where life lessons are handed down by those who sacrificed, worked, built this country, and went off to war to defend us all. Where two of the most “different” families (one having made the US it’s home since the first ships landed here and the other coming here after the horrors of WWII) one could conjure up made their home, built their families, sought the dream of a better world for their children and where now their grandson types these words.

Having left (physically) Kentucky 4 decades ago the respect I have for the Commonwealth, and the people, has never left me. Some of my most cherished memories were made there and I hope that the time will come that one day I can return if only to introduce my children firsthand and to pay my respects to old friends…and new.

Of all places in the United States in this weekend's edition of  USA Today via the Travel Section (i.e. Friday July 20, 2012) Rand McNally (think map company) ongoing articles entitled “Best of the Road” named Kentucky to be both the “MOST BEAUTIFUL” ( Bardstown, Ky) and “FRIENDLIEST” (Murray, Ky). Kudos to Kentucky and to USA Today for recognizing the TRUTH about Kentucky as opposed to the (unfounded and in some cases vicious) stereotypes.

Here is the official link http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/bestoftheroad/story/2012-07-17/The-five-best-small-towns-in-America-2012/56276500/1

Here is a link to all of the Best of the Road places in Kentucky per Rand McNally: http://www.bestoftheroad.com/competition.do?state=KY&cid=201&tId=&sort=Vote

Monday, July 9, 2012

Tom Cruise Katie Holmes divorce = the sadness of Suri


Tom Cruise...don't know him.



Katie Holmes...don't know her.



Suri...don't know her but know enough to acknowledge that she, like all of God's children, is unique/beautiful and deserving of love and shared time with both of her parents (as every child is).



Divorce is a cruel series of turmoil that (sadly) adversely affects the children initially and throughout their entire lives. The pain that the children endure is...tragic.



Even with the best of intentions, of the "circle" surrounding the children, the fact is that the children are torn by; distance, words, inferences, wondering why?, and in their hearts.



Suri it seems will grow up with every advantage (monetarily) imaginable. But what price would she, if she was able, gladly pay to have her Mother and Father reunited by love, healing, and commitment? What would any child pay...if they could?



My heart goes out 24/7 to my own children and they inherit my every waking moment and they are prevelant in my dreams, my hopes, and in my soul.



My heart goes out to every child who is challenged and in a place (geographically, mentally, physically, emotionally, monetarily, etc.) where their needs are not met and/or they are exposed to an environment that is toxic. For every child is an ordained blessing from God and is bestowed with talents that just need to be encouraged and discovered.



While Suri, and children like her, will be caught in the questions (internally and verbally) of "where is Daddy" and/or "where is Mommy?" the reality is that Mommy and Daddy brought these children into this World TOGETHER and Mommy and Daddy should have the right/opportunity to be a consistent and integral part of their children's lives...EQUALLY. Anything less is a fundamental denial of one's rights legally and as ordained by God.

I hope that Suri's parents focus on what is best for Suri now and each day hereafter.

Most of all I hope, and pray for, each child that they be enveloped with nothing but; love, care, joy, peace, good health, long life, understanding, acceptance, stability, and the integral interaction with each of their parents and those who love them.

While Tom Cruise, and Katie Holmes, divorce (and other transient issues) will remain in the press my heart and prayers (as always) will rest with the ones who are truly in need...the children.



Tomorrow is but a forethought as today is all we have. Thus there should be an urgency to ensure that love and healing prevail, in every aspect, when it comes to children.



May their smiles continue to light up our lives and may their spirits be enriched by the knowledge that their lives are blessings and that there is a purpose to their being. May they know, find, and retain love eternally and may their pain be replaced with happiness.



Suri, Tom, Katie I wish you all well but know that I am rooting for Suri and every child like her.



Jeff Schrembs


Thursday, July 5, 2012

Sonny West HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

With the power out in this area now for 5 days I'll have to keep this brief. Nonetheless I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sonny West and may you know, from those close to and apart from you, how much you are; prayed for, loved, thought of, admired, and respected.

May God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

PS: Sandi Pichon is an angel!