I never used to think about short term memory, or long term memory for that matter. It seemed to me, when I was younger, that memory was just the things we remember, period. Then, as I became older, and I heard the adults talking around me making reference to these two types of memory, I became just a little bit curious about it. But then, I soon forgot about it. (Ha. Ha.)
In my middle years I remember being able to recall information about many people including their phone numbers, where they lived and what they did for a living. My memory skills were fabulous and it made me a valuable member of many community groups in which I played a part. My long and short term recollection of facts and figures never let me down.
Then, after the sudden death of my 21 year old son, even my working memory vanished. My bereavement counselor, who had experienced the same tragedy, told me that with unexpected death, especially of a child, it’s like there is an explosion in the brain and that pieces are strewn all over. I recall forgetting a close family member’s name at the funeral home. It was awful. Finally, after time passed, I recovered enough of my memory to feel a part of things again.
Later, as I have become a senior citizen, I am experiencing, once again, the loss of memory. This time, it is of the short term variety. It is exasperating to leave the bathroom and not be sure if I put lotion on my face, put my deodorant on, or whether I combed my hair in the back. Did I lock the door? Where did I put my second pair of glasses, when the screw comes out of the ones I am wearing? I go looking for my watch after I just put it on. And I search the house looking for my phone while I am talking on it to a friend.
It has become a problem that is sometimes hard to deal with. Luckily, my friends and family still like me just the way I am. I think it is all part of life that we must accept. And then, we will have to hope that the people who love us will watch over us when it becomes too difficult, So be kind to the people in your life now so they do not leave you alone when you need help. Life is short. We just need to remember that short term memory will not last forever.
I am almost 73 years old and had brain surgery a year ago. My memory, all kinds, is what people might call “bad.” But I have turned that around with the thank you mantra. Now I feel that the Lord is sparing me all that life I had before, pleasant and unpleasant. I just enjoy every minute so much more because it is not interfered with by other memories. Once I accepted it as a blessing the fear of it went away. Now I am just happy. I volunteed, when I was much younger, in a nursing home and I saw both types…those who grieved for their memories and those that just embraced the present moment with a smile.
I believe in gratitude and say a thank you prayer for all the good in my life daily. There really are advantages to forgetting some things. And I am so happy that you have turned some difficult things into positive ones. Thank you so much for commenting. It enlarges my world to hear other people’s experiences.