While Elvis was stationed at Bad Neuheim, Germany, he was terribly homesick. Mostly because was missing his family, especially his ailing mother who was back at Graceland under the care of her eldest sister, Lillian. Gladys' fear was that she would never see "her boy" again, and that fear became reality to her as she said to Lillian: "Take care of my boy." Glady's health was declining and she had been under a doctor's care. More than for herself, she worried about her only surviving son and what would become of him. She had always been very protective of Elvis and was now agreeable that Vernon and Miss Minnie should go be with Elvis in Germany while she remained behind at Graceland. Soon, Elvis had rented a house for himself, Vernon, and "Dodger," the grandmother he doted on. Minnie Mae was a wildfire and soon it became evident that she would tolerate no other woman taking over "her" kitchen. When the landlady of the house attempted to set down rules, Miss Minnie chased her out with a meat cleaver! There is no messing with southern blood!
When Gladys was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital, Elvis was unable to access leave. As Glady's lay close to death, thoughts of her son and not being able to say goodbye brought more heartache to the forty-two year old woman. When Elvis finally secured leave, he hurried home as quickly as able, but had missed his chance to say goodbye to the dearest woman in his life. Elvis never got over his mother's death. It was a void he carried with him until his own demise. When Glady's life ended, in essence,so did Elvis'. He continued on with his career, but could not find happiness without his beloved Momma, and while Miss Minnie took on the responsibility of caring for her grandson, and he sure did love his "dodger," no other woman could seem to fill the void in Elvis' heart and in his life.
Elvis Presley took 15 year old Priscilla Beaulieu, daughter of a U.S. Army officer he had met in Bad Neuheim, to live at Graceland...under Vernon's supervision. Many believe that when Elvis married Priscilla on May 1, 1967, it had been a forced marriage simply because Elvis was not ready for marriage. Lisa Marie Presley would be born nine months later almost to the day.
Elvis meets 15 year old Priscilla Beaulieu in Germany
Below, Elvis meets the snow while leaving Germany.
Sergeant Presley getting a taste of German snow.
