Get on the Bus! By Kathy Hardeman

Author’s Note: I am a stay at home mother who happens to hold a part time job. That job is bus driving. I drive an elementary route and a junior high route. As you can probably imagine, some amazing and funny events have transpired over the last few years one of which I’ve written below. Names have been changed to protect…well, basically, to protect me and my job.

For those of you who may have spent time over the past 25 years wondering if Elvis is dead, I offer this piece of news.

On Friday I met my friend Debbie at Denny's for a mid morning brunch to do the Happy Dance that we'd survived a successful summer and the kids were back in school. I love talking to Debbie because we discuss everything from religion to sex (not necessarily in the same conversation). On Friday, our topic after current events (we are both news junkies) was the book by Rosie O'Donnell called Find Me that we'd both read (great, interesting book by the way). We had finished our meal and conversation was winding down when it happened. I saw Elvis. For real.

My seat faced the windows that looked out on the front parking lot. A new white van drove up and a big dark haired man and a small Hispanic woman got out. When the man turned around I saw that it was Elvis. I stopped speaking mid word and told Debbie to look, Elvis was coming to Denny's. She turned and saw him too so she can vouch for my sanity. (I think she'll vouch for my sanity. Maybe I'll bribe her tomorrow with that pie she likes just in case.)

As we were leaving Elvis and friend were being seated. I smiled at him as I noted that that wasn't Priscilla with him. Debbie and I were paying for our meal in front and I wanted to ask him if he would sing. Elvis singing "Love Me Tender" to me would make my week, maybe the whole month. Debbie just kept muttering, "Don't you embarrass me." Which was pretty funny since she generally thrives on the outrageous. The manager was acting as cashier and he smiled and told us to play nice. I think he meant, "Don't bother my other customers." I told the manager that if the man didn't want to be bothered he'd cut his hair and shave those sideburns before presenting himself in public.

Anyway, if you've spent the occasional moment wondering if Elvis really is interred at Graceland, I have to say I am now doubtful. Elvis has indeed left the building, but not in the way you think because I saw him at Denny's in Texas.