What memory?

Just in case I forget Peter's name, he has been labeled.

I think I have the memory of a fly. How is that I can remember the details of my Barbie Dream Camper from when I was 8, but I can’t remember something from 10 seconds ago.  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet a familiar face that I have seen around town for 6 years now. As we chatted about our kids and other such pleasantries, I experienced a sinking feeling as thought to myself, “Crud, I met her 5 seconds ago and I can’t remember her name for the life of me.” “How does this happen”, I think as I smile through the rest of our conversation.  Since I know I have a habit of this, I  listened  keenly to her when she said her name. Chris and Peter were singing Sponge Bob songs off to the side and that must be where I was sidetracked.  As I looked to Chris in desperation I realized he wasn’t coming to my rescue. You know, when your significant other comes to introduce himself  just to catch that name you missed.  This time there would be no 'your welcome" wink.   I wish sometimes that we walked around our every day life with permanent “Hello My Name Is” tag affixed to us somehow.  We could all be like the greeters at Walmart. Maybe a tattoo right on our forehead would do the trick. While having lunch with a friend today, I realized it not just me with forgetfulitis. We sat at the table and an acquaintance walked in. Neither of us could remember his name. “Oh that’s Whosawhatsis”. “Oh yeah”, I say, “He’s a dad of a kid from Kate’s school”.  She chimes in…”they live on Maiden Lane”.  After 10 minutes and twenty questions we have extracted the names of his entire extended family out of our thick skulls. As his name popped into our heads at the same time, you could almost see the light bulb illuminate and we both laughed.  Sometimes it takes a village to remember a name. Life is so full of details, it would be a miracle to remember it all. In the mean time, I'll try to enjoy remembering what I can.