Suzie TK Snippets

MEMORY vs HISTORY

Memory is a collection of stories passed down through generations as a first-hand account of events that happened.

History is an interpretation of the memory of past events and a collection of everything that has occurred before now.   

The most dreaded disease today is the loss of our short-term memory. I do not mean just having a senior moment. As one elderly lady told her pastor, “Oh, I do believe in the hereafter. Whenever I walk into a room, I forget what I came in here after.”  

There are varying types of memory loss. If you have experienced a family member or friend who has had Dementia or Alzheimer’s, you know the difference. It is sad when there is no memory of a spouse, a sibling, a loved one, or a friend. It is often called a slow death because you lose them twice, first emotionally and then physically.  

Many celebrities have been diagnosed and kept the media in the dark. Glen Campbell was given the diagnosis in 2010, shortly after recording the album Ghost on the Canvas. Typically, a tour to promote a new album is performed. After the discovery and an intimate discussion with him, his family, and the band, the decision was made to take it on a farewell tour with his children becoming key members of his band, and he chose to be open and candid about the disease.  It opened a new spotlight and dialogue on Dementia.  

In his farewell tour, he performed many signature songs for thousands of adoring fans, one of which was at the Perot Theater in Texarkana. My husband and I were happy to be among the attendees of that final 2014 tour. Many people in the audience knew this young boy from Delight, Arkansas, who was thrust into the spotlight of music fame in the ’60s.

New research discovers new things every day about Dementia, and many things are thought to help prevent total memory loss. One important entity is staying busy with new things to help build new brain cells. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of water. New scientific data shows that some foods and natural supplements can improve memory. Crossword puzzles, a new hobby, and learning technology skills will help build awareness while building new brain cells! Be proactive and do the research.

We all have our favorite childhood memories. Children and grandchildren love to hear you tell stories of your growing-up times. You will build a relationship while entertaining them and making them part of family history! I encourage everyone to write their memoirs! It keeps your mind sharp and leaves a family history of events for future generations. Self-publishing is so user-friendly now. Who knows? You may become the next New York bestseller and find a new career in your retirement.  

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