probably not the most reliable master. I know that most of the things I relate here are as I remember them, but are they actually what happened? I’d like to think so, and I think the fact that I can remember them at all means that they are probably about 90% accurate. I suspect some of the finer detail has been lost over time.
Take this for example:
I am sure that this is a photo of my Auntie Elsie, but it is the only photo I’ve been able to find of her and it isn’t marked. My memory says that this is exactly as I remember her, but I have no real way of verifying it. I did share it with my cousin who agrees with me, but anyone who would definitely know has either passed away or probably can’t remember.
I have very fond memories of Auntie Elsie. As a preschooler she used to baby sit me during a period when my family were having a particularly difficult time - I didn’t know this then and only found out much later, I suspect because I was being insulated from what was happening. I remember those days as some of the best from my young childhood, we used to have such adventures and really these were just in her home and garden which were both quite large and amazing playgrounds, with books and boardgames and all sorts of things.
Sadly she died a few years after those days. I don’t remember her passing, but do remember some events surrounding it. One of my most treasured possessions is a pencil and pen set that I was given for the Christmas that year:
If my memory of the events are still quite clear, how come I can’t be sure that the photograph is who I think it is? I’m both sure it is and yet not sure I am correct. Maybe it is the physical gap between the two times. I’ve only come across that photograph in the last month or so and don’t think I’ve seen any in the intervening period. The original memories being set over 40 years ago. I also remember being told that Auntie Elsie was a retired school teacher, but again I don’t know if that is actually true, it certainly seems plausible given how good she was with me as a child.
The memories are there because they were good times - for me at least - even if they aren’t always reliable, does it matter? I don’t think so.
Hi Alan. Have you written anything with the pen recently? :-)
With the technology we have our disposal today it could be easier than you think to verify she is who you think she is. Perhaps load her photograph into facial recognition software or take a look at local school archives where you think she might of worked.
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