rule #1: never forget who you are
Who knew that I would have to be reminded by my husband Tim of what is so important? I am fortunate to have the most wonderful care here (at MetroHealth in stroke rehab), but today this story is about my nurse Michelle.
Yesterday, she spent quite a bit of time with us telling us about Foster and Kleiser’s billboard business and about her uncle who was a poster artist. I believe I may have known him during the political campaigns of the ’70s, but that’s a blog for another day.
So yesterday, when we were having this conversation, I insisted on continuing to call her Marjorie even though I insisted I knew her name was Michelle. I said that Marjorie was a beautiful name and that it would be a good name for her.
To be truthful, I am not sure that I could get "Michelle" to stick in my head. But, what I didn’t realize was that I had forgotten what I had always prided myself on: Remembering peoples’ names. I am putting it in my head early, I have done this since 1972 when I first started student teaching: People’s names are who they are.
I grew up with Mom and Dad, who always were very centered on making sure that people were included and that new people were welcome. Thanks to Tim, I didn’t forget the biggest part of me and I won’t forget Michelle’s name, I know I won’t.
Through the days, I’ll be writing more little snippets, but they may be much different from what you remember, but remember, after all, this is my experience.
Wow, is it great to get back to writing!
Gloria!
It is so good to hear{read} something from you…
So many people have had you in their prayers, including the Libava family.
Hope to see you soon. Now, please keep Tim in line.
Joel Libava et al
Joel Libava
14 Dec 08 at 4:56 pm
Hey Gloria! So glad to see you back. I don’t know what else to say, other than thank you for resurfacing.
Some Guy on Bridge
14 Dec 08 at 5:13 pm
It is great to have you back writing again, Gloria.
Wonderful news that your care at MetroHealth is so good, and that Tim is being an exemplary partner, but it is your upbeat attitude and determination that are truly inspiring to me.
Jeff Coryell
14 Dec 08 at 6:17 pm
It’s great to having you back to writing! Remembering is important & we’re fortunate to have others to help us remember.
George Nemeth
14 Dec 08 at 8:39 pm
Yay! You are back to blogging! It is very nice to read something from you today and also wonderful to talk to you today!
Love,
MO
MO
14 Dec 08 at 9:29 pm
Welcome back Gloria!
I’m looking forward to more “snippets” and snapshots.
Be and stay well…
Jeff Schuler
15 Dec 08 at 1:59 am
I am glad you are well enought to write. Now follow the doc’s orders, and we’ll keep praying.
Glenn
15 Dec 08 at 12:49 pm
I too pride myself on remembering people’s names. There have been a few anomalous instances, however when something happened and, for the life of me, I just couldn’t call them by their given name.
One such incident happened when I met a friend’s roommate Andrea. For some reason I kept calling her Claudia. Now, I don’t know anyone else (still) named either Andrea nor Claudia, and I can’t say she looked more like one name than the other. No matter how many times I was told her name, I kept calling her Claudia. Later that evening I was informed that her mother’s name was Claudia who had recently passed away.
I’m not really much of a believer in spooky occurences, but this is was pretty strange. So….perhaps this Michelle had a Marjorie around her somewhere you were “picking” up on…or maybe her name was Marjorie in another life. Who knows? There is more to this life than is dreamt of in our philosophies.
Bud Perry
17 Dec 08 at 10:23 am
Good to see you writing again!
Too many people forget who they are (as have I on occasion). We all should be reminded to seek out and hold our defining characteristics.
derek arnold
17 Dec 08 at 12:15 pm
I understand from Daryl that your neighborhood will be soon certified as an urban natural area by the NWF.
That effort is one of yours that I was not familiar with.
best,
jeff
jeff buster
17 Dec 08 at 4:02 pm
Though I have not known you long, it is good you have you back.
Hershel Daniels Junior
18 Dec 08 at 11:40 pm
I am delighted to hear about the progress you are making in you recover. You are in our Prayers
Love ya
Lynn
Lynn Lemley
19 Dec 08 at 11:04 pm