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Athina may not remember what
happened yesterday – or even five
minutes ago. So, she writes everything
down. Everything. From details about
conversations to meals. Writing gives her
a sense of control, especially on days when
she feels physical pain, the remnants of
that February night so long ago.
"I am your weatherman!" she says,
referring to the aches before a rainstorm.
Her signature humor and smile are well-
known, especially by the baristas and her
friends at Rude Awakening.
"She has never complained, not once,"
says Cathey.
Athina tried going to school – a
community college and a Bible college –
and did well with taking notes, true-false,
and multiple-choice tests. But she could
never quite tackle essay questions. She
became discouraged but enjoyed working
in a library and as a note-taker for students
with disabilities.
"Athina is not a stranger to
disappointment, discouragement and
sad days," says Cathey. "But through her
faith, she has maintained a strong will to
overcome all that comes with short-term
memory loss. She has found her own
ways to track what she knows she will
forget within minutes. Repetition is key to
memory. Reading is better than watching
a movie. She can go back to a page to
review the story. She takes notes and
highlights important points, knowing that
helps with retention."
About four years ago, Athina met a
special man at her apartment complex,
and the two were married. Her husband,
Eric Gonzales, works as a welder on
helicopters at Simmons Army Airfield.
e two, who still look at each other like
honeymooners, enjoy spending time
together, doing simple things such as
grocery shopping, taking long car rides
and just breathing in the fresh air.
As for the future, Athina knows that
life can change on a dime.
She'll be writing down every sweet
moment.
