Chuck was the biggest Elvis Presley fan I know, and through his love of “The King,” I became a fan too. Chuck liked to think he had Elvis’s dance moves, and I have to admit, he really could dance and was never afraid to let his moves loose on the dance floor.
For the longest time, Sunday mornings were synonymous with Elvis. Chuck would listen to the “Elvis & Friends” radio show hosted by Rockin’ Ron Cade and enthusiastically sang along. It aired from 7:00 to 10:00 AM, and he would listen after attending 7:00 mass – a faithful Catholic and a faithful Elvis fan.
One of our bucket list items was to travel to Memphis and visit Graceland when I retired. That trip will remain untaken, but I will keep listening to Elvis and maybe even sing along (as long as no one else is around to hear). When I hear Elvis, I hear Chuck serenading me, and it makes me smile.
Below is a snapshot of our love story told in Elvis Presley song titles. There is no sadness, just joy.
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Yes, yes, I am. I am missing
the love of my life, Chuck,
and I had a “Blue Christmas” without him.
I am living in the “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Chuck was my “Teddy Bear” and is
“Always On My Mind.”
We were high school sweethearts.
And I was “All Shook Up”
after our first date.
I told my girlfriends that I
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” with him.
They had “Suspicious Minds,” but
I told them, “Don’t Be Cruel.”
I assured them that he wasn’t a
“Hound Dog,” and I wasn’t going to
“Return to Sender.”
“If I Can Dream,” I can remember
our “Burning Love” and how
he would “Love Me Tender.”
My beloved Chuck, I will
always remember
“The Wonder of You.”
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DAY 6
Rita DiCarne 
This is just beautiful. Music is such a strange comfort. It can move your from smile to tears and back again in a single bridge. Thank you for sharing so much of Chuck with us. I’m really enjoying getting to know him through your memories.
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Rita, Stories of true love always touch my heart. This is a beautiful piece…so clever, too. In spite of your grief, I hear the gratitude for the rich life you shared with Chuck. Keep writing, keep remembering and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
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Rita, what a lovely poem merging Elvis and your love story. Precisious
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❤️
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Oh, I loved this! With every song you chose and the heartstrings that went with it, it just reminded me of how every memory, even the dance moves on a Sunday morning, are so important to keep and cherish.
And we are thankful for those memories you are sharing with us. And the word that jumped out to me wasGraceland and yes, the heartbreak that you could not go together is coupled with the fact that he is currently in the most amazing Graceland ever, his hope of heaven fulfilled. Keep writing and keep sharing as we journey through your heartbreak Hotel together holding you up with lots of love. ❤️
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Thank you. I hadn’t thought about Graceland like that, and your interpretation of it made me feel very peaceful remembering that Chuck is at peace.
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I love how you weave the song titles into your story. I am sure you were his “Good Luck Charm” and he yours.
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Thanks. I think we were. Thanks for playing along with my song title game. 🙂
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Oh My Gosh Rita! Each of your stories is better than the last. Your writing amazes me. I wish I had your talent!
First, I knew Chuck loved Elvis, but now I’m finding out he had the moves too!! What a special romance you two have shared. Not everyone will be able to say they had that.
Your “Love Story” in song titles was so romantic! Chuck would have loved it!
🎶 ❤️🎼
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Thanks, Robyn! Unfortunately, I do not have the moves. 🙂
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