Meet ‘Notebook Boy’ Chen Hong‑zhi
- Age: 26
- Location: A quiet village in Hsinchu County, north‑western Taiwan
- Key trait: A living journal
Crash into a New Reality
It all started nine years ago when a traffic accident left Chen’s hippocampus, the brain’s memory hub, badly damaged. The result? He can’t form or keep short‑term memories. In plain terms, his brain doesn’t have the “snap‑save” button it used to.
When the Brain Goes on Vacation
Now, instead of forgetting where he left his keys, Chen jotters every piece of his day in crammed, blue‑inked notebooks. “I write down who I helped, how many rows of rice I harvested, whether there was rain,” he says. These notebooks have become his neural backup.
Ink, Notation, and the Daily Grind
Chen’s notebooks are more than paper; they’re a lifeline. Each line is a memory that survived a brain “bleach.” The rural setting means he relies on small farming incomes and a government disability allowance. His stepmother, Wang Miao‑cyong, 65, keeps him grounded. Her neighbours even nickname him “Notebook Boy”.
Lost Pages, Lost Tears
One day, a notebook vanished. Chen cried, begged his dad to help find it—only to discover his father had passed away four years earlier. The loss has a ripple effect on family dynamics; his mother sometimes struggles with his forgetfulness.
Medical Perspective
- Dr. Lin Ming‑teng, head of psychiatry at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, notes significant brain damage on X‑ray scans.
- Chen can only remember things from the last 5‑10 minutes—imagine trying to juggle reality in that window.
- His capacity to receive and process information is also impaired, affecting his everyday interactions.
Hope in the Shadows of the Brain
Despite losing a substantial part of his brain—because of the accident—Chen’s progress is remarkable. “It’s “incredible” to see what he’s achieved,” Dr. Lin says. The brain’s resilience beats the odds.
Love, Duty, and a Dream Home
Wang longs to return to her hometown in Indonesia but is held back by Chen. “Who will watch over him? I can’t imagine his future if I’m gone,” she expresses. This split underscores the deep bond between a step‑mother and a boy who sees his notebook as his psychic replacement.
Final Word
Chen’s story reminds us that memory isn’t only a neural network. It’s also ink, routine, and unyielding love. In a world where some forget, he writes, he remembers, and he lives—one page at a time.
Finding Lost Tech: A Tiny Tale of Memory, Hope, and a Hush‑Hush Phone Hunt
Meet Chen Hong‑Zhi
Chen Hong‑Zhi is 26 and, unfortunately, his brain isn’t the best at storing moments. Short‑term memory loss means today’s events are easy to forget tomorrow, but that’s not stopping him from keeping his life as orderly as a toy box.
His Secret Weapon: The Notebook
Think of the notebook as his very personal GPS. Every day, he jots down plans, appointments, and the occasional prayer.
Example Note: A Day of Devotion
- October 26 – Go to Beipu Old Street, alone
- Meet the Chen clan organization
- Search for the missing phone
- Visit the Catholic Church
- Pray at Citian Temple
- 10:38 – ZZZ (dreamy whisper of hope)
The Surprise Twist
Ten days later, Chen discovered his phone tucked somewhere behind a temple archival box. Of course, he noted the moment in his notebook to remember a triumphant win.
Lessons Learned
Even when your mind light‑years away, a trusty notebook can reel you back in. Plus, you never underestimate the power of a heartfelt prayer – or at least the humor that comes from realizing that your phone might just be a hidden treasure, waiting for a map in the form of a page.
