Saturday, February 4, 2012

Stealing memories

I'm pretty sure I don't steal other peoples' memories on purpose.  I'm also pretty sure it doesn't have a lot to do with age. That's my story anyway and I'm stickin' to it.  It is true, however, that I don't have a good memory (that belongs to my younger sister) so maybe I "borrow" memories to fill in some blanks in mine.  How's that sound?  You buyin' it?
Here's one I truly thought was mine.  I've been telling this story like it really happened to me for years.  In my mind, this is how it goes:  I was wearing my girl scout uniform and holding the baby of a family friend when her diaper leaked and made a huge wet spot on my beloved uniform.
I've told that story countless times but the last time I told it was in the presence of both my sisters.  My older sister looked at me oddly and said, "Oh my gosh, that happened to me too - with the same baby!"
Really?  What are the odds?  I mean, babies pee on people all the time but - the same baby and we were both wearing our girl scout uniforms????????????
It was at that moment that my younger sister piped up, "Ellen you were never a girl scout." Rut ro.
Now I'm doubting all the hysterical stories I've told over the years.  Was I really there?  Did that happen to me or someone else?
The other thing that's been bugging me in the memory department is other peoples' memories of me.  A woman I went to elementary school with told a friend of mine that I got all the girls in third grade to "give up" another classmate for Lent. Now you'd think I'd remember doing something so despicable wouldn't you?
So if you hear me telling a really funny story with me as the lead character, just laugh along, please and take it with a grain of salt.
Over and out.






2 comments:

  1. All this stealing of memories is a win-win...you probably tell the stories better than if they had happened to you and by admitting you steal them, you can create new memories and stories from the stolen ones. I hope i worked that out OK for you. ~~Bliss

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