Whether you harbor a fondness for the genre or not, there’s a unanimous recognition that Elvis Presley, the iconic figure of rock ‘n’ roll, stands out as one of the exceptionally gifted artists to grace our planet.
This assertion is scarcely open to debate. Even in the face of his premature departure, the King left behind a legacy of captivating stage performances that enchanted audiences for many years.
While numerous video recordings capture Elvis at the zenith of his career, there’s one particular footage that I find holds unique significance for many. It signifies the concluding recording of an Elvis performance, and truth be told, it evokes a profound reaction within me. Certainly, he may be a far cry from the physical dynamo he once embodied, but the performance stands as a historical gem in its own right.
This recording remains somewhat obscured despite its importance. In this footage, Elvis is delivering one of his timeless classics, a song held dear by a multitude of his admirers. Some argue that his rendition is infused with such fervor that this final performance could arguably be considered among his finest! What’s your perspective on it?
A natural showman from birth, Elvis Presley dedicated himself to his craft until the very end. Celebrated for pouring his heart into every performance, he left behind a treasure trove of enchanting moments spanning his lifetime.
Despite not embodying the same persona as his prime, don’t underestimate the impact of this particular performance. His voice retains an undeniably potent allure! Some argue that this could be one of the legend’s most outstanding shows ever. While I might not fully endorse that perspective, I can certainly understand the sentiment.
The song Elvis is delivering is “Unchained Melody”, performed before an audience in Rapid City, South Dakota. The first time I experienced it, my skin erupted in goosebumps! Unfortunately, a mere six weeks following this recording, Elvis departed from this world. At the youthful age of 42, he bequeathed a lasting legacy of music and myth that will endure for all time.
Girl’s letter to her future self, written months before she passed away
What most teenagers dream of is to go to college, travel the world, and have many friends. 12-year-old Taylor Smith, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was no different. This girl spent her days around her family and friends and loved watching a lot of Doctor Who.
Smith outlined these plans in a letter she wrote to her future self in April 2013. The letter was placed inside a box in her room with the instruction “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023 only (unless said otherwise).”
Unfortunately, she didn’t live long enough to see whether those dreams would be accomplished. Just months after she wrote that letter, Taylor died of complications from a sudden onset of pneumonia.
Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were heartbroken. They couldn’t believe their girl was forever gone.
One day, as they were sorting through her possessions, they found the letter. As it touched them deeply, they decided to share it online and give others some solace.
As she shared her daughter’s letter, Marry Ellen wrote: “I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but
I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story.”
Below is Taylor’s letter and the words she wrote to herself.
Dear Taylor,
How’s life? Life is pretty simple right now (10 years in your past). I know I’m late for you, but as I’m writing, this is early, so; congratulations on graduating high school! If you didn’t, go back and keep trying. Get that degree! Are you (we) in college? If not, I understand. We do have pretty good reasoning, after all.
Don’t forget, it’s Allana’s 11th birthday today! Sheesh, 11 already? In my time, she just turned 1! I didn’t get to go to that party though, because I was in Cranks, Kentucky for my first mission trip. I’ve only been back for 6 days!
Speaking of, how’s your relationship with GOD? Have you prayed, worshipped, read the bible, or gone to serve the lord recently? If not, get up and do so NOW! I don’t care what point in our life we’re in right now, do it! He was mocked, beaten, tortured, and crucified for you! A sinless man, who never did you or any other person any wrong!
Now, have you gone on any more mission trips? Have you been out of the country yet? How about on a plane?
Is Doctor Who still on the air? If not, what regeneration did they end it with? You should go watch some Doctor Who! Later though, you gotta finish reading your own words of wisdom!
Do you have your own place yet? If we’re in college, what are we majoring in? Right now, I wanna be a lawyer.
Have you been to Dollywood recently? Right now, their newest attraction is the Wild Eagle. It’s so fun!
Also I think I’m going to sell my iPad and buy an iPad mini, Don’t forget to tell your kids that we’re older than the tablet! Attached I also have a drawing of an iPad, so you can show them.
Well, I think that’s all. But remember, it’s been 10 years since I wrote this. Stuff has happened, good and bad. That’s just how life works, and you have to go with it.
Sincerely, Taylor Smith
Beautiful words from an angel who was taken away from her family too soon!
If you were touched by Taylor’s words as much as we were, please share this story in her memory.
Leave a Reply