A few years ago I found that I was having trouble remembering words— like androgenous, which I used all the time because I was reviewing cabaret performances in New York City. Another word was osteopath.
THINGS I FORGOT THAT I WANT TO REMEMBER: TED LASSO, commute, pardon, Harrison Ford, Pareve, Hugh Jackman, layaway plan, precious, condescension, manikin, androgynous, Eileen Fisher, collateral, Danial Radcliffe, Ab Fab, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, Mengele, Jonas Salk,
I wrote them on the list, read them out loud frequently, and I found myself not being troubled by them. It was like because I was using more than my memory, I was using my sight and my hearing, I retained them better.
This morning I was talking to someone about three business titans who had been adopted as children: I immediately thought of two— Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs— but I couldn’t think of the third. I thought it might be Larry Ellison, looked it up and it was.
Please know that it does not take a stroke to poke holes in the memory of a senior docent and/or historian! Just yesterday, as a volunteer docent since 2013 at the Rosenbach Museum, I found myself in the West Library unable to conjure up the word "incunable" while presenting to a large group!
Your writing, Dan, continues to be very good, stroke or not. I have had the same experience after my stroke; in fact I couldn't remember your name the other day when I was mentioning you to my college roommate who also went to a New York City prep school. Glad you mentioned Bob Liss's name in this writing; it has been a long time since I thought about him and his great shot. Anyway, writing about your stroke has been helpful. Keep it going.
Reading you is always a pleasure and a comfort too. I'm not aware that I've had a stroke -- call it a stroke of good luck -- but I suffer all the memory lapses you describe. I'm beginning to think of my memory as being something like a muddy pond. I poke into it and, after awhile, a bubble rises from the bottom with the name/thought I was struggling to find. Sadly it takes time and patience, which I don't always have. Great to hear you think!
Dan, Your column is really clear and evocative. I'm your age and, without stroke, have very similar name, year, place and date finding lapses. If worrying less is one of the best assets to memory, then I say you are entitled to worry less. Your memory and ability to express yourself are in excellent shape if your "forgetfulness" column is any indication!!!!
From reader Myra Chanin:
A few years ago I found that I was having trouble remembering words— like androgenous, which I used all the time because I was reviewing cabaret performances in New York City. Another word was osteopath.
THINGS I FORGOT THAT I WANT TO REMEMBER: TED LASSO, commute, pardon, Harrison Ford, Pareve, Hugh Jackman, layaway plan, precious, condescension, manikin, androgynous, Eileen Fisher, collateral, Danial Radcliffe, Ab Fab, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, Mengele, Jonas Salk,
I wrote them on the list, read them out loud frequently, and I found myself not being troubled by them. It was like because I was using more than my memory, I was using my sight and my hearing, I retained them better.
This morning I was talking to someone about three business titans who had been adopted as children: I immediately thought of two— Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs— but I couldn’t think of the third. I thought it might be Larry Ellison, looked it up and it was.
I don’t now if this would help you, but it might.
From reader David Kann:
How do you do it? I need both hands at a urinal.
From reader Kerry L. Bryan:
Please know that it does not take a stroke to poke holes in the memory of a senior docent and/or historian! Just yesterday, as a volunteer docent since 2013 at the Rosenbach Museum, I found myself in the West Library unable to conjure up the word "incunable" while presenting to a large group!
So it comes... or goes!
From reader Joseph DiStefano:
"Chaos" in Spanish is spelled "caos" and sounds like "chouse." Dunno how it rings in the original Greek.
Our politicians definitely get away with worse talk now than in Homer Capehart's day
From reader Robert Zaller:
Homer Capehart I remember. But who’s that John guy who’s our Senator now— you know, the one in baby pants?
Your writing, Dan, continues to be very good, stroke or not. I have had the same experience after my stroke; in fact I couldn't remember your name the other day when I was mentioning you to my college roommate who also went to a New York City prep school. Glad you mentioned Bob Liss's name in this writing; it has been a long time since I thought about him and his great shot. Anyway, writing about your stroke has been helpful. Keep it going.
Reading you is always a pleasure and a comfort too. I'm not aware that I've had a stroke -- call it a stroke of good luck -- but I suffer all the memory lapses you describe. I'm beginning to think of my memory as being something like a muddy pond. I poke into it and, after awhile, a bubble rises from the bottom with the name/thought I was struggling to find. Sadly it takes time and patience, which I don't always have. Great to hear you think!
Dan, Your column is really clear and evocative. I'm your age and, without stroke, have very similar name, year, place and date finding lapses. If worrying less is one of the best assets to memory, then I say you are entitled to worry less. Your memory and ability to express yourself are in excellent shape if your "forgetfulness" column is any indication!!!!