My first memory of HSAM

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/01/20/north-texas-man-remembers-everyday-of-his-life/


I met this guy earlier in the week, Bill Brown, very interesting guy. He asked me my birthday (12/24) then proceeded to recall events of every Christmas since 1977. He knew the day of the week that Christmas fell on, the gifts he had received, and so on. He didn’t hesitate as he recited football scores and stats, weather conditions, deaths of family and celebrities, and vacations associated with that holiday.

Wow! Last week I struggled to remember what day of the week it was. Some days I can’t remember the month. I listened intently before saying, “I bet your wife hates to argue with you”. He laughed. Let’s face it. Most women have won more than one argument based not solely on the fact that we can recall the facts but we put a notch on the win belt because a man cannot remember. (I refer to this strategy as my strength is knowing your weakness.)

I had an interesting visit with Bill. He continued to talk about what most would consider trivial data. He shared some of the facts about the phenomenon and facts about the others who walked this same path.
I left with many things to consider. I contrasted this memory marvel and its opposite counterparts, Alzheimer’s and dementia. I attempted to create a road map where those conditions intersected.
As I drove south that afternoon I began to catalog the advantageous of being able to recall such information. Aside from winning many arguments, one would be able to recall the facts of birthday parties and pageants, and weddings that without the aid of others and polariods would be a hidden file in gray matter for generations. I considered the notes and journals that I have accumulated through the years that have helped me hold onto facts and dates, emotions.

Emotions? Oh, no. Would I remember in detail that day? You know the day you have been trying to forget since the moment it happened. The day you were bullied by a third grade boy; he called you fat or asked why you ate your boogers; the time as a child when you were touched inappropriately by the guy that would never hurt anyone; the trusted and respected neighbor. Would the gore of wrecked and mangled bodies be etched into the fore ground of your mind? Would you have no filter, no delete option, and no discard button? Would you remember in painful detail the time when the bad choices of your children tunneled a crater into your heart?

Suddenly, the tiara of being the great debater faded and I saw the limitations of my mind to be an answer to a prayer that I didn’t word; a blessing. A memory is a two sided coin, a blessing and a curse.

I guess if I learned one thing from my visit with Bill and the analytical thoughts it empowered it was this: Try to live in the present by in enjoying the good memories, learning from the bad. Determine each day to do something that will be a positive memory for everyone.
And in the words of one of my favorite memories, “I love you and don’t you forget it.”

I AM a superhero!

You really don't know me well enough on a personal level to know that I AM a superhero. Before you delete or dismiss this based on that statement, give me a chance to explain. Becoming a superhero was the easiest thing I ever did: it takes a few simple steps to get started. 1. Know your story: How did you come to be where you are? Why did you come this far? And why are you going to try again tomorrow? 2. Choose your powers: What are your strengths? What are your talents? What abilities created the structure for your story? 3. Identify your weaknesses: What derails you? What weakens you physically, emotionally, and mentally? (Whatever that is for you don't carry it around in your pocket for goodness sake). 4. Determine your conversion: What has to happen for you rip off the outer layer and reveal your identity, your brand, or your label? What warrants your conversion from individual who cares to compassion in action? What makes you trust the cape? 

One of my sons, Levi, loved basketball in high school. Even now he goes to the games two or three nights a week to watch his former high school team. When he was in junior high the boys teams were a bad joke. They were beat by 50-100 points every game, twice a week, by state champs and Christian leagues alike. We were beat so bad the other teams didn't even want to play them. It was awkward for the opponents and miserable for our team. When Levi enter high school he was going to change the program. His determination was going to fuel a change and create an environment of rejuvenation and pride. I was so proud of his zeal and his ability to see the need. Unfortunately, he didn't make any lasting changes for the team; another losing season for the Bobcats, a disappointed but still determined Levi, and another new coach the next year. Everyone has a philosophy, an idea, a strategy; not everyone has the strength or the determination to fight uphill against the odds and the masses to see it through. 

Maybe, Levi thought, the new coach would. He came in like a whirlwind, rocked the traditions and questioned a lot of answers. He worn a suit and required that the team do the same; people looked at them strange. They bought new equipment and new jerseys; people said it was just decoration. He didn't recreate the game; he reintroduced the sport. The greatest hurdle that faced Coach was attitude. He didn't attempt to change the fans. He didn't argue calls and fuss with the refs. He didn't bring in any super athletes. But every game with that group of 10 boys that were gathered around in the locker room, he said, "Stop playing like you are trying not to lose and start playing like you intended to win!" It took months for them to understand the difference, it took a season to break the cycle and some of the egos, but it only took one playoff game to make it happen. They all became superheroes. Have a great weekend; trust your cape.