Names?

How are you at remembering names?  People tend to remember my name because the group is meeting "only" me.  While Dad was still with me they all called him "Dad" so it worked fine.  I, however, am usually meeting a whole group at one time.  I need name tags -- if for no other reason than to look down (at mine) and be able to give my name.

The memory that keeps going through my mind, this week, is the last cruise we took.  We were with a group of friends and family.  Dad had needed a scooter to get around with.  (I don't care where you are going, on the ship, it is at the OTHER end.)  So Dad used his scooter except in our cabin.  The problem happened when the scooter (early in the cruise) developed a loud squeal.  I'm pretty sure it could be heard on shore!  Our room steward tried to fix it.  Maintenance, on the ship, tried to fix it.  When we were in port I even got in touch with the "scooter people."  No one could fix it.

A cruise ship has about 3,000 passengers and 1500 ( or so) crew.  Most of them knew our name but the memory is of the Head Maitre D (whose name I'm not even sure I knew but definitely don't remember) knew me and Dad.  He is the HEAD of the whole ship meals and dining rooms, probably saw all 3,000 + passengers.  He could call us by name!  Knew (because he could hear us) when we were coming and could connect us with the family.  You have to laugh or you start screaming........