My mother’s youngest sister was a huge fan of Elvis (still is) and the one who introduced me to his music many years ago.

Below is a tribute to his life released on YouTube yesterday, the thirty first anniversary of his death:

We visited our local “Golden Arches” fast food place last Friday with our grandchildren.

It was one of those days when all of us appeared to have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed and everyone was a tad (no, more like a huge wad) out of sorts. It must have been a rough day as it was me who suggested that we partake of the fine cuisine at Ronald’s place.

A few minutes into our meal a mother sat down with her little girl at the table directly across from ours.
It was immediately recognizable that the child had been through serious medical difficulties. Elizabeth’s mom struck up a conversation with us and proceeded to lay out a scenario which would break any parents heart.

Three years old was all Elizabeth was when she went in for an ordinary well check up. Upon tests ordered by her pediatrician it was discovered she had cancer. The doctors at Childrens Hospital in Philadelphia informed her mom that another week gone undiagnosed and she would have lost her precious little girl as the cancer had already affected her lungs, kidneys and liver.

We talked a bit about the wonderful care afforded at the hospital and the treatments this tiny child had already endured. She had been through chemotherapy and radiation beginning in December of last year and extending to the first of this month.

Several operations have occurred, one of the first resulting in the lost of a kidney. Elizabeth received her chemo through a shunt inserted in her chest (which she proudly lifted her shirt to reveal) and she is now in the process of fighting an infection discovered upon its removal.

As we spoke, our grandchildren and Elizabeth struck up a conversation also, all about whatever it is children these ages dream up at the moment. Never was there a word about Elizabeth’s lack of hair or the obvious scars resulting from so much trauma to her body.

Special pink bracelets for girls are made up at the hospital for those on the cancer ward. Her mom wore one with her name imprinted across the front and Elizabeth offered one to each of the two children she had befriended. In return they offered her their toy from their Happy Meals which she had eyed with great interest.

Three adults watched this exchange and all felt the same..what acceptance and simplicity. There were no judgments, no facades. In a matter of moments they had formed a friendship..one which may never have the opportunity to blossom but a bond of its own nonetheless.

While we cleared our tables I asked the Mom how she had managed to get through this unthinkable ordeal with her child. Her reply was simply ” Our Faith has gotten us through.”

Elizabeth receives her results this Wednesday which will answer whether she will face further surgery or require another extended hospitalization. While the chances are great I will never see this child again, I will pray that her little body is healed.

Next time I find myself in one of those wrong side of the bed days, I’ll think of Elizabeth.

She was just the medicine I needed to remind me that all those little inconveniences life throws at us are just that and nothing more.