A Day in Memphis

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is awesome. We met Shana at the Chili's Center on the campus of St. Jude and she gave us a tour. It is amazing how much is going on to help the children who come to St. Jude. Devree was on a tight schedule of appointments ranging from audiology to psychologists. We were able to eat lunch with Shana and meet her sister-in-law, Celeste, who lives in Germantown. (about 40 minute drive). Celeste's family has been a great support for the Hamblin family.

After lunch we were able to catch up to Devree.

She was already exhausted from the day's schedule. It will probably be a blessing when the chemo treatments actually begin. We need to thank Devree for giving us her wristband ....

Guess where this is? This is Graceland! By using the wristband that Devree gave us we were able to get FREE tickets for the Platinum Tour! The area is pretty commercialized. I don't think Elvis would have wanted it this way, but it was a great way to see a little into his life and music.

The very first room in the mansion was the living room and adjoining music room. There were lots of other rooms we were able to see but my pictures don't do them justice.

This display is one of many that show awards. There was always Elvis' music playing or monitors showing his concerts, tv shows or movies. We went to three other specialty museums about Elvis and felt he was quite a generous and giving person. It's hard to believe he was only 42 when he died in 1977. That's the year Jennie was born!

We talked to Dave tonight and are excited to stay with him and Doris. They have plans to show us around their region, meet with Aunt Eleanor and cousin Barbette, and see Alison, too! It should be great. Dave said it is quite green where they live - in contrast to the dry desert we come from.

We leave for Nashville tomorrow and hope to see the Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home) Wednesday we will be staying somewhere near or in the Smoky Mountains and Thursday we will arrive at Dave & Doris's. YIPPEE!