Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 17, 2024 7:03 am GMT
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of legendary singer Elvis Presley, opened up about a deeply personal decision she made after her son Benjamin’s tragic death. In her memoir, she reveals why she kept her son’s body on dry ice for two months, shedding light on grief, preservation, and the complexities of family ties.
Understanding the Loss
The loss of a child is one of the most profound tragedies a parent can face, and for Lisa Marie, the death of Benjamin in July 2020 sent her into a spiral of despair. In her memoir, she shares her inner thoughts surrounding the loss and the unconventional choice she made afterward.
Benjamin had battled severe mental health struggles before his untimely passing. Lisa Marie felt the weight of these challenges acutely, grappling with the notion of how best to honor his memory. Loss is raw. It changes how families reflect on their lives together, and in her case, it influenced an unusual decision during the mourning process.
A Complicated Choice
Keeping Benjamin’s body on dry ice was a decision Lisa Marie made following a painful contemplation on how to say goodbye. In her memoir, she wrote: “I felt an overwhelming urge to protect him, to keep him as he was for just a little longer.” This desire for preservation came from a place of deep love and grief.
The choice to keep Benjamin’s body was not one born of denial but rather a unique expression of love.
Lisa Marie recognized that not everyone would understand her actions, which further emphasized her sense of isolation in her grief.
Shared Grief Among the Presleys
The Presley family has a history marked by deep loss and sorrow. In an Oprah special titled “The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie and Riley,” Lisa Marie reflected on how the family has navigated mourning and remembrance. The show painted a larger picture of how Elvis’s legacy and the struggles of his family have been intertwined with grief.
The special highlighted:
The pressures of living in a family so closely associated with fame.
How loss affects individuals differently and the unique ways they cope.
“I think there’s a misconception that because we’re in the public eye, we handle things differently,” Lisa Marie stated during the special. “But pain is universal, and so is love. We all feel it.”
Navigating Public Scrutiny
Lisa Marie faced intense scrutiny from the public during her time of mourning. Society often places expectations on individuals in the spotlight, leading to further complications in their grieving processes. She expressed frustration at how her family’s pain was often dissected and misconstrued.
Keeping the details of her son’s death and her subsequent decisions private allowed her to control a narrative that was too painful to share fully. “People can be quick to judge,” she said in her memoir, “but I needed to do what felt right for me and my family at that moment.”
Reflections on Mental Health
Ben’s struggles with mental health were not only personal but also indicative of broader societal issues. In her writings, Lisa Marie stressed the importance of discussing mental health openly. She hoped to illuminate how families can be affected by these challenges, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Mental health discussions are crucial in removing stigma.
Families need to support one another in these difficult times.
The memoir intertwines Lisa Marie’s story with Benjamin’s, linking their struggles and highlighting the need for understanding and empathy.
Finding Hope and Healing
Despite the heavy subject matter, Lisa Marie’s memoir is also about hope. Through her writing, she urges others to cherish every moment and to seek help in times of need. She emphasized that while grief may never fully subside, it can coexist with fond memories and love.
Lisa Marie’s journey is a reminder that healing takes time. She reflected, “Life may change, but love doesn’t fade.” Her commitment to keeping Benjamin’s memory alive serves as a powerful testament to the bond they shared.
A Legacy of Love
In examining the complexities of her loss, Lisa Marie Presley highlights a poignant message: Grief is personal and can manifest in many forms. By sharing her story, Lisa Marie hopes to empower others grappling with their own pain.
Her words resonate with those who have faced similar losses, giving them a space to recognize their feelings without judgment. The decision to keep Benjamin on dry ice might be unusual, but it speaks volumes about how deeply she loved him and her desire to protect his memory.
As readers digest Lisa Marie’s memoir and her appearance on the Oprah special, they are encouraged to engage in conversations about grief, mental health, and the complexities of familial love. In sharing her journey, Lisa Marie Presley not only honors her son but also opens the door for others to do the same, creating an invaluable dialogue about enduring love amid unimaginable sorrow.
The Presley family has an interesting story. You can learn more about it on different websites.
