This is Sheriff Peanut Butter Brickle. I’ve been so many places that my paws can’t keep track. If I wore shoes, well, I would have went thru a hundred pairs by now.

But I never thought I would be walking where someone called Elvis was born. Or standing on his front porch in Tupelo, Mississippi.

I suppose I didn’t have a choice, either. Because Girl Person said it was a must. An absolute must we stop here. All Digby knew was that he likes Tupelo honey when he runs out of maple syrup on his pancakes and so he said he knew more about Tupelo than I did.

Has there ever been anywhere that you’ve wanted to go but you didn’t know why? That’s what Girl Person said she felt about the house where her favorite singer was born.

She had always wanted to come here…where he came from. Where he was born. Somehow, she felt like it would inspire her. That even if you are in a situation like Elvis’ family, you can still follow your dreams.

Tupelo, Mississippi was our destination.

We got off the Natchez Trace Parkway, packed up some peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and Girl Person was so excited she couldn’t stand it. Boy Person was pretty much along for the ride.

Tupelo, Mississippi wasn’t a big city. But it sure had big personality.

And I could tell that they were very proud of Elvis. The hardware store where his mom bought him his first guitar was there.

But I’m not sure many people here had actually ever met Elvis.

And I knew the people who visit here didn’t know him. But they still love him for different reasons. Maybe they like his music.

Maybe they like his movies.

Maybe they don’t like either his music or movies. But maybe they like how he inspires them. Even long after he was gone.

Elvis was just a person. Like you. And Girl Person said visiting his house made him feel more real to her. That he was more than a singer. He had struggles and a family and he loved to sing. He just happened to be well known. It’s easy to look up to people and place them on a pedestal. But never think someone is better than you because they have more money or because they are famous.

It’s ok to be entertained and inspired by others. But don’t love them so much that you forget how special you are. Your talents are important too. Maybe you can’t sing like Elvis. Or dance like Elvis. No one can, actually.

But no one will ever be you. In Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley was born. Everyone comes from somewhere. Where were you born? Have you done something worth mremembering? Inspiring? There’s no excuse. Be a famous you. The best version of you.

Girl Person said she was glad she finally got to come here. But what she learned was more about herself. And how everyone is special. Everyone is a star. I already knew that.

–Sheriff Peanut Butter Brickle

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