Not long ago, my husband and I were fortunate to attend a lecture featuring two neurologists who’ve investigated H-SAM, and a woman who possesses H-SAM (hyper semi-autograghic memory), Marilu Henner, who was one of the first people studied. It was an evening to remember, literally and figuratively – and within two miles from our home.

The NLM, Neurology, Learning and Memory University of California-Irvine (ICI) department sponsored the special event. The venue, the Barclay Theater, edged the UCI campus, and it was packed.

Rightly so, for their presentation was compelling – better than Oprah at her best.

With that rare memory type, Ms. Henner can recall every moment of her life, including sensory details. Wow – yet not, for some of the few who were born with it, it’s a burden and not a blessing or boon. But Ms. Henner, an actress, public speaker, and memory coach, thrived. She’s made it her mission to help others gain a skill level approaching hers, saying emphatically

“Your memories of your life are all you own.”

What a bold statement – one that flattened me at first, but as I warmed to the notion, I decided to work on my future days, to recall them more efficiently, more fondly, and more fully than my past.

As I reflected, I noticed that my husband and I had already dedicated ourselves to memorializing our good times. Following my parents’ model, I journaled during our world travels, storing them with our photo albums. Occasionally, I’ve reviewed our trip narration, particularly if/when we’ve returned to places we’ve visited before. (Egypt = three times). My husband was the one who initiated our year-end reviews, perusing our calendar with events posted and pictures pasted. One of his reasons for doing so makes me giggle: he wants credit for attending a dozen movies each year, not a preferred pastime.

Here’s a pop song that seems atuned to my thoughts –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rlDTK6QI-w&list=RD8rlDTK6QI-w&start_radio=1

By the way, this is a cached post. I’m having knee surgery today and will remember little… yeah, anesthesia!