Senile at age 39

I used to be conversant at Spanish. Or at least almost conversant. I lived in Spain a couple of times for extended periods and studied enough to get by pretty well. I certainly wasn't fluent, but I was pretty good. Towards the end of both of my stints in Barcelona, I even had a dream or two in Catalan.

Alas, I am losing, my language skills. Every week I attempt to speak a bit here and there in Spanish and I can't figure out what anyone is talking about. I think this must be what it feels like to go senile.

I stare at the person I am talking with and I know I should understand what is being said. I recognize the words. The conversations are simple and seemingly familiar. Sometimes I even instigate the conversation, but after, two or three words in response, I am completely lost. I just smile, and nod my head.

I guess the only good thing that is coming out of this, is that when I do lose my mind in 40 years, I will know how to deal with it.