Hubby and I were discussing how forgetful we seem to be getting. Since we’ve been home, we’ve been hunting for things. Where did we store this or that before we left? Seems silly but it took us a while to get into a routine and remember where things were stored. Is that a result of old age or having too much stuff? Maybe neither. Probably both. I forget which.
We ate a new Mexican food restaurant the other day. It wasn’t that great, especially compared to Tacos Garcia and The Plaza in Amarillo and the other places we ate at in Boise. We strained our brains while we ate trying to remember the names of the good Mexican food restaurants in Boise. Nothing came. It took Google to help us we figure it out. Chapala and Fiesta Guadalajara. We recommend them.
Other things are hard to remember too. Certain words are slower coming to mind, not to mention names. Does that happen to you? Can’t remember the name of someone you see or think about? Us too and it’s frustrating. Sometimes the name comes to us later when least expected, but by that time, we can’t remember why we were thinking of them.
Last winter when we were in Amarillo, we occasionally got lost searching for a store. We’d been there before but couldn’t remember what street it was on. We drove around, exploring new parts of town trying to find the place we were going. While using a GPS was quicker and more accurate, the fun was in the search without help. After we returned to Rapid City, I took some wrong turns or had to think hard about how to get places. It came back but I was surprised at how hard I had to strain to remember.
I’ve found I have to concentrate harder to remember things for later. I blame it on my mind that’s always thinking of other things, like plots and writing. It can only focus on one thing at a time, so my multitasking days are over unless I have a list. Lists are becoming more and more important to me. If someone tells me to help them remember something, I can’t just say “sure”; it takes focus on my part, and even then, it’s not a guarantee I’ll help remember. Make me a list.
Forgetfulness is scary. I wonder if it’s a normal level of forgetfulness or if it’s a warning sign of dementia. I’ve watched my mother’s short-term memory deteriorate, and it makes me fearful of being the same way. If it happens to me, I hope those around me will be patient with me and kind enough to answer my repeated questions.
Rather worry about it, Hubby and I will keep trying to remember things, work on puzzles, hike, take bike rides, and keep writing. Worrying about tomorrow is a waste of time.
Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails. Psalms 71:9