Memory Loss In The Parking Lot - Can You Relate?
Memory loss in the parking lot is a real issue. Many people suffer from it. Why can’t I remember where I parked my car? It seems that whenever I park in a parking lot, I have no trouble getting to my intended destination, but I almost always have trouble finding my way back.
I consider myself to be somewhat intelligent so making a mental note of where I parked isn’t rocket science. Sometimes the parking lot owners are thoughtful enough to put numbers and letters on pillars to make it easier for people to remember where they parked. As long as you remember the letter and/or the number you are home free. A no-brainer!
I may have a huge list of tasks on my agenda and get through them all with ease of recollection but where in the world did I park? I start to retrace my steps trying to remember which door I entered the complex.
Was it the North or East entrance? Sometimes I am extremely proud of myself when I get that correct but then which level did I park on – P1, P2? Up and down the stairs I travel to no avail. Did someone steal my car?
Disappears From My Memory Bank
I often travel by ferry, and it is embarrassing when the cars are already driving off the ferry as I am still in search of my vehicle. Wandering around and looking like a complete idiot, I am excited when I see my car only to discover it is driving away — sure looked like mine.
My husband jokingly told me years ago, that if he ever needed to leave me, he would just take me into the woods and ask me to find my way back. I considered breadcrumbs but with my luck, the birds would eat them before I found my way home.
What is my problem? Do I not want to return from whence I came? I play the recording over and over in my head: where I entered, the parking lot marker number, AND the name of the store closest to the entrance. Yet, when I try heading home, it mysteriously disappears from my memory bank.
Which Parking Lot?!
I was in an extremely large outdoor complex of retail outlet stores last month that I had never been to before. I parked close to the entrance, made a mental note, and even looked at the large map posted there.
A piece of cake. Right?
I was specifically looking for two stores. I had no trouble finding the stores, but then one of the vendors suggested I try a different store to find what I was looking for. They gave me directions. This complex is about ten miles long. Not really, but it certainly felt that way. In reality, it is probably closer to a half-mile long. But when you are lost it feels like TEN MILES.
I got to my destination, was excited to find what I was looking for, and left. Now, which way did I come from? Was it the right or the left? I think it was the left but nothing looked familiar.
With heavy parcels in hand, my feet hurting and my body tired, I proceeded. My surroundings were looking less familiar. I asked some teenagers where the main parking lot was and they responded with, “Which one?”
“What do you mean which one? There is more than one?” At this point, I wondered if I would ever find my way home.
I proceeded in the direction I assumed was the right way. Still, nothing looked familiar. I started hitting the panic button on my key fob but heard no response.
After 45 minutes of wandering around aimlessly, I started looking for a security vehicle. There were several but they were empty. Where were the security guys – at lunch? I had planned to shed some tears and have them drive me around until I found my car.
I considered sitting on the curb and crying but thought that might create more problems. Thoughts were running rampant through my brain; “I will never get back home,” and “I will have to spend the night here until no cars are left in the parking lot, but WHICH parking lot?”I Had A Lesson To Learn
I began to pray. I reminded God that He knew where my car was and would He kindly relay that information to me…please? Nothing. I got nothing.
One foot in front of the other, ignoring the pain in my back, neck, arms, legs, feet, and head I continued walking. Then I heard it. The panic button paid off. My horn was beeping. Yes! There it is! Just where I parked it or did my angels pity me and move it there?
What lesson did I learn? I am still trying to figure out what the best way is to ensure that I do not get lost in a parking lot. Maybe I should hire a driver? That won’t happen anytime soon!
Maybe I need more faith to lean on my Heavenly Father’s wisdom instead of asking Him why He did not create me with a sense of direction. Was God smiling at me, shaking His head as he watched His daughter? This brought a smile to my face knowing that God does indeed care and obviously, I have a lesson to learn.