Memphis & Graceland

I mentioned yesterday that I was in Memphis last week. I played tourist and went to Graceland one afternoon. It was like stepping into a time warp with the 70s decor and memorabilia from the life of Elvis Presley.

I realized something while I was there. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock N' Roll, died August 16, 1977 - more than 30 years ago. In that time he is still a hero to many. I visited on a Monday afternoon and the tour bus was constantly moving between the entrance and Graceland itself. After 30 years Elvis is still remembered and treasured enough that people visit his home.

Elvis cut his first record before the age of 20. By 31 he was a star of rock n' roll music. Within 2 years he was seen regularly on the movie screen. His career declined and was ready for a comeback by his mid 30s. Unfortunately all that success signaled a short life and Elvis passed in his 40s.

Fans wonder to this day what greatness would Elvis have achieve if he had held his life together and lived longer. What music would he have made? Would his daughter's life have turned out differently? What about his fans? Would they have lost interest as he aged or would he have stayed an icon?

We can never know what would have happened. Still it isn't the mystery that makes millions visit Graceland. It is the life lived.

You and I may never be Elvis. We may never live a life on such a grand scale. Still, will the life you lived be worth remembering when you are gone?

As long we live life instead of dreading it, we have a better chance of a life well lived.