Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Monday, October 31, 2005

Memory-Challenged

The older I get, the more trouble I have remembering things. Mostly, short term things. Pick this item up at the store; make a doctor's appointment for that kid; return a borrowed item to this friend; purchase a ticket for that event; stop by the bank; et.al. (And, yes, I do have a calendar and I do look at it, but I get busy and before I know it, I look up and I am either late or I have about 2 minutes to get to said appointment.)

The worst thing, though, is having someone who knows me, say "hello" and ask me about my kids (by name), yet I have no earthly idea who they are and how I know them. Or someone tells me they received my message and that it would be "fine with them." Yet, I have no idea who they are, what message I left and what it is that is "fine."

This happens to me ALL the time. Is it age? Is it simply that I am more focused on me instead of others? Is there some medical issue I need to have checked out?

And what is the protocol for this situation? Do you say, "I'm sorry. Who are you again?" It would be the honest thing to do, but how awful would that be?? I've yet to bring myself to do that because clearly we are more than acquaintances. Our kids have played on the same team, or we have been in the same Bible study group or we worked together on some committee or something. So instead, I nod and answer in very general terms and inside cry out to the Lord to reveal their identity to me. Sometimes He does. Often He does not.

Am I alone here? Does this happen to you just a little or does it happen A WHOLE, WHOLE LOT? What do you do when this happens?

posted by Deeanne at 9:12 AM

2 Comments:

Meg said...: I have memory problems, too. When I can't remember somebody's name, I usually try to fake my way through it. Then I go my merry way and the incident doesn't bother me anymore because--

Huh? What incident? ;)
Barb said...: Ha! Meggie, you're too funny! The answer to the questions in paragraph 3 is: Yes! After 40, it's all UPhill physically, baby...