Monday, January 13, 2014

Conversation with Random People: Eleven

It is not always the case that a random conversation is funny.  One might be enlightening, yet convey information that, while true, is not the sort of thing we want to know.  But we may need to know. Some conversations are heart-rending.

The essentials of this story are true.  Of necessity identities are masked.

Spouse and I were in the local eatery, seated in a booth.  The person approached the table, beaming smile on face, reached out and touched me on the left arm.  I spoke this person's name, said, "It's good to see you!"  The response was, "I can't remember your name."

The individual was an employee and confidante for many years.  We shared office space.  We worked together to achieve common goals.  I mentioned that we had worked together a long time.  "Oh," was the response, "I know that.  I know who you are, I just can't remember your name.  I have Alzheimer's and it is quite troublesome, sometimes."

At this point my spouse came to the rescue of these two long-time friends and introduced me by name.  "Oh, yes.  Of course.  It is good to see you again."

10 comments:

Vee said...

Alzheimer's is difficult for the afflicted as well as for those who love them. Unfortunately, very little progress is being made toward identifying causes and finding cures.

Lily now has a test that accurately diagnoses the disease, but most insurance companies will not cover the cost of the procedure because, as of now, there is no effective treatment. There are many arguments supporting the benefits of being diagnosed, but they are not considered. The positive is that since Alzheimer's can now be diagnosed, drug companies are investing more in discovering treatments.

Shelly said...

Wow- that is such a poignant situation. I'm glad the person still had recognition of you, even if the name wasn't there. Hard to know what to say in those situations.

Sharkbytes said...

Getting old is not for wimps. It's just that kids don't know how much fortitude it takes and they despise age.

vanilla said...

Vee, it is a devastating disease, and the bane of the elderly. Too many people "of a certain age" worry about it even if they don't have it, which is another problem in itself. Other parts of the conversation I had but did not record here suggest to me that this individual does indeed have Alzheimer's.

Shelly, difficult as it is, I think it is important to treat our afflicted friends as we would were they not ill. But it is hard to know what to say. My wife saved me in this instance.

Sharkey, not for wimps at all. The fact that the young "despise age" is one of the sad conditions of our "worship of youth" society.
But, even if unbeknownst to them, with their averted eyes, they will not always be young.

Grace said...

Oh dear...how awful to know that you are slowly losing the ability to know...

vanilla said...

Grace, I think that that is one of the hallmarks of the condition. Yes, such awareness would be awful, indeed.

Lin said...

Lots of people forget names and how they know someone regardless of aging or affliction. I always refresh my name and where I know them from to avoid the uncomfortable situation. And if they didn't remember my name, I tell them "I call everyone 'honey' because my memory is shot." Usually works and we all laugh. And it's true.

vanilla said...

Lin, include me among those who forget names. But we do not all have Alzheimer's. Your approach solves a problem and eases potentially uncomfortable situation.

Secondary Roads said...

It's a sad thing to observe. That's especially true for friends and family. (Speaking from experience)

vanilla said...

Chuck, dealing with one who is afflicted is very difficult. Been close to that, too. Sad,indeed.