Jewells of Thought

Do you have this problem too? I saw this woman and knew I worked with her, but for the world I could not think of her name. It was frustrating… and thankfully I was able to see her again before we left the store.

It’s funny when I was working, there were just people I only know by their first name or nickname. Some of them I knew better or I accidentally heard their last name, but it didn’t always stick in my memory.

The sad truth is that we both had the same problem. We saw each other and knew we knew each other but could not put a name to the other face. We always wore name tags at work, but we did know who we were time apart and with both of are physical ailments our memories just literally left us.

My parents were with my during this shopping visit it was really for Mom to get a new coat at a discount. It happens to be mine with a different color. So we are actually the bobsy twins again. I know she has seen my mom, but I don’t think my dad. Her husband was with her that day and I remember how upset his physical ailments were at that time back in 2019 my last year working there. So to hear that she herself had some pretty difficult years was sobering. She did lose her memory and needs continued prayers to cover over her.

When she mentioned her name frustration hit me how could I have forgotten that name. Carol. She was another Carol in my life that had made an impact, because I remember her so well and she even remembered some of my training and working with me. Goodness she reminds me of a Georgia Peach with her southern accent. She has always been so vibrant and has an infectious laugh. I loved working alongside her at the store and had fun getting to know her.

The other frustration was how could I forget she had Aunt Carol’s name?

There are a couple other Carol’s in my life. Each one has made a meaningful impression on me. One is from church which ironically her husband’s name was Fred. My Grandpa Alsman’s name was Fred so he has been gone for a long while, but lately at church she and I sit together most Sunday evenings.

Then several years ago when Grandma Rosemary was still getting her hair done at Gina’s with us we met another Carol. She owns the Jack’s Place in Jasonville now. I remember her coming into Gina’s her already there making these decisions and reporting all the exciting features to Gina. Carol was excited to create this restaurant and name it for her husband.

I remember her and Grandma Rosemary became such good friends when getting their hair done. After Grandma’s stroke we saw Carol just what seemed like a day later in the same hospital and told her the news while her husband was also in bad shape.

These ladies remind me of so many emotions and actions. They all came into my life at different times, yet they are all similar in dedication, determination Christ-filled women of faith.