Trying to Remember when I Lost My Mind

I'm beginning to think there is no such thing as memory loss. I think the problem is that over a long period of living, the brain just files certain things in the warehouse files, and like any good storage facility, eventually those memories are just harder to locate.

I've discovered that we get older, we worry more about memory loss. If we can't think of the right word at the right moment, we notice it more than we once did. I figure it's like being crazy. I've always been told that crazy people don't know they're crazy. So if you still have enough brain function to realize your memory's not what it used to be, then you're probably okay.

One time we attended a party where the host had a game planned. She called it the Oldie Wed Game. It was like the one on TV, but players had to have been together for at least 20 years. She then proceeded to separate each couple and ask questions. Then each partner was brought back and asked the same question. Of course, the idea was to see if the two people could come up with the same answer.

The best question asked was "What did your partner do that gave you the biggest surprise?" One little dignified woman proceeded to tell how she had fixed an elaborate dinner one night and greeted her husband at the door in a sheer piece of lingerie. When her husband returned and was asked the same question, his reply was, "When she used my whole monthly paycheck to pay a bill that only required a small payment and left us with nothing to live on for the rest of the month."

I've discovered over the years that my hubby and I always remember things differently. For example, I was telling a group of friends about a trip we were planning to New Orleans and how I really wanted to visit the great aquarium they have there. I made the comment that I had never been.

"Yes, you have," he replied. "We went there on one of our other trips to New Orleans."

"Well, I don't remember it." I'm thinking I'm sure he's mistaken because I really like aquariums, and I would have remembered.

"Don't you remember seeing the shark tank and the guy in the water feeding them? You made a big deal about it."

"You always say I don't remember things, but I think you dreamed this one. It's like that neat little restaurant that had the great hamburgers. You remember, it was in the Ozarks in Harrison."

"That wasn't in Harrison. That was in that little place in the valley close to the Buffalo River. I swear, you always do this."

"It was too in Harrison. It was right in the middle of town and close to that flea market down the street." Now, I was sure this time.

"No, it wasn't." Now we're at the point of making everyone uncomfortable because one thing the hubby and I have in common is that we're both stubborn. And to make matters worse, we're more stubborn when we're not sure whether we're right or not.

I finally conceded defeat for the sake of harmony in the group, but as sure as I'm sitting in this chair, I know I was right about the hamburger place. Now, to be honest, I'm not so sure about the aquarium, but I'll never admit it.