I have a pretty good memory, especially when it comes to names and facts about people. I love stories, and each person has a story, and God has apparently given me a brain that is as sticky as fly tape when it comes to remembering people and their stories. Once I’ve met you, you’re never getting out of my head. Even with the onslaught of mommy brain, which is in fact a very real phenomenon, I’ve retained a good chunk of that story memory. As I mentioned in Lessons from the Playground, I’m attempting to regain some of my awareness for the people around me. And this is another case in point.
Because of this memory, there are many times when I am out and about that I recognize people I’ve met, albeit even just once. During these occasions, I have a fleeting few seconds to act, because I know for certain that the other person won’t recognize me or remember me unless I approach her and re-introduce myself. And herein lies my choice. I can ignore her and move on, or I can speak up. Obviously the loving option is to speak up and show that person that I cared enough about her to not only remember, but to let her know I remember her. It’s not always easy, especially with two toddlers in two, to give someone who at first glance thinks I am a stranger a brief story to re-introduce myself. While I was at the library this week, I noticed a girl that I hadn’t seen in three years. We were in a small group together very briefly, before either of us had kids. I stepped up and said, “You are J, right? I’m storygirl. We were in V’s group together briefly waaaay back.” The lights clicked on and we chatted for a few minutes. Her little gal is close to Little Miss’s age and she looked at me and said, “So you stay home, and I stay home…why don’t we get together?” Love, love it. If the weather is decent tomorrow, meaning it’s not raining like it did all day today, we’re going to the same playground I mentioned in the previous “Lessons from” and I’ll give that gal a call too. What a joy it was to speak up and re-connect. Now, next week at the Library story time, I need to catch the other gal I recognize that I met just once at a retreat. I pretty sure she doesn’t know that she goes to the same church as the gal I chatted with this week. Hmmm….
Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter Paul & Mary) did a bit in one of their concerts where he talks about us being honest – admitting to someone that “my brain was at the punchbowl” when they’ve asked us a question that we missed. I’ve kind of taken that to heart… when someone comes up to me, and says “Hi, Cal! How are you?”, I’ve become honest enough to admit to them, “I know that I know you from someplace – could you help me out here?” That’s a lot better than walking away with Vicki and saying, “any idea who that was?” “Not a clue…” So thanks for helping folks remember why they remember you – for us forgetful friends, we appreciate it!!
You’re like a friend-match-maker! Too cool!