Off topic. How long does a memory stay.

[fyrewall]

Paula - thank you for all of this.

Soon after my dad died in 1977 my family was hit with a wave of disasters at the hands of a bunch of opportunist exploiters. A few years ago, while on a fishing trip, the owner of our old house invited us in for a visit. When my dad was alive he had placed on a inner wall of our house a framed copy of my DD214, a photo of me in uniform standing a watch on the bridge of my ship, and the sword I had to wear while in dress uniform. All this stuff had since been removed soon after my dad died. Anyhow, the nail holes where the stuff was hung were still there and my dad's presence was also very much there.

 

[dgeesaman]

I've heard that the olfactory sense has the longest memory of all. Not sure if I spelled that correctly, but I meant sense of smell. jd

This is true.

The smell of someone’s house, a perfume or aftershave, a brand of cigar, etc seem to be the kind of memories that can be hard to recall on command. But when I encounter it I know it immediately.

The brain stores immense amounts of visual and audio information and it no doubt gets jumbled up. But smell seems to be more lucid by far.

David

 

[Paula Marie Hamilton]

Bronze Star with the V for valor. Not handed out lightly either. I had the misfortune of being in the wrong place twice and getting 2 in Vietnam. You dad is my hero.

dickn52. I'm sorry you received 2 in Vietnam. I know when you came home you didn't get parades or such. I would have, but I was a babe in arms, so now let me say Thank you for your service. Thank everyone who ever served. You all make our free life possible. Thank you.

 

[dickn52]

dickn52. I'm sorry you received 2 in Vietnam. I know when you came home you didn't get parades or such. I would have, but I was a babe in arms, so now let me say Thank you for your service. Thank everyone who ever served. You all make our free life possible. Thank you.

Well thank you...but going through SeaTac airport in 1969 was 'fun'. There were about 75 of us on the plane and about 10 Krishna screaming peace and stuff.....well it didn't end all that well for the boys in orange that day. But I do appreciate the sentiment....In all honesty I'd do it again if asked.

 

[riflewoman]

It isn’t uncommon. Dogs have it as well. What it does is give your memories context. These places and scents give the context and these trigger memories. Looks like your dad was a great man. Keep his medals, it will help you remember him.