I Do Remember

“Hi, Pop. How are you feeling today?”

“I’m feeling fine, but who are you?”

“I’m Jacob, your son. I was here visiting you yesterday, remember?”

My son. I don’t recall Margie and I having any children.”

“Well, you did, Pop, 45 years ago, me.”

“I’ve been forgetting a lot of stuff lately, but you would think I’d remember having a son. Maybe when Margie gets here she can explain this to me. She’s late today. Probably had some errands to run. She is one busy lady.”

“Let’s change the subject for a minute, okay. I brought this box of old pictures for you to look at. They are all taken at different places we visited on family vacations. Just take a look at a few and see what you remember.”

“I’ll look at them, but I don’t know what you think this is going to accomplish. If I don’t remember you, I certainly won’t remember some old pictures of places I visited thirty years ago. I really wish Margie would get here.”

“You know, you’re right. You probably won’t remember any of these pictures unless you’re wearing these special glasses.”

“I already wear glasses, and I hate wearing them. They make me feel as though I’m looking at the world through a perpetual window. The last thing I need is one more pair to clean. Margie should be here any minute now, shouldn’t she?”

I’m not sure, Pop, but while we’re waiting for her, how about you check out this one picture. It’s my favorite out of all our vacation pictures.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll check it out with these damn glasses if you promise to leave me alone afterwards. Margie should be here any minute, and it will be time to watch our favorite show, The Price Is Right.”

“I promise. Just one picture and I won’t bother you anymore.”

“All right, I’ll change out my glasses for these ugly things and look at the picture and, WOW. I feel as though I’m in the picture. This is amazing! I can remember everything about this day. We were vacationing in New Hampshire at Lake Winnipesaukee, and I took you on your first fishing trip. You had just turned twelve and wanted to catch a fish more than anything else. We were gone most of the day and hadn’t gotten a nibble. Then out of nowhere, this massive lake trout snagged your line and almost pulled you into the water. You struggled with that fish for what seemed like an hour, fighting back and forth but never giving up.

What made me even prouder of you catching that fish was that you put it back in the water after your mom took this picture. You were a true sportsman that day. I wish she could be here now to relive this with us. What’s wrong, son? Your eyes look a little watery.

“It’s nothing, Pop. I just got some dust in my eyes, that's all.

“Tell me the truth, son, your Mom is never coming, is she?”

“I’m sorry, Pop, but Mom passed away three years ago, but I’m still here for you.”

“I know you are son. I’m a little tired. Maybe it’s time for a nap.”

“That’s okay, your doctor just motioned for me to come join him. I’ll be back to say goodbye.”

“Hi, Doc, how’s he doing?”

“Stable is the best way I can describe his condition. Those glasses are really something, wouldn’t you say?”

“They are! Every time I show him this picture, he remembers what we did that day, complete with all the details. I only wish the memories would stay accessible in his mind.”

“Well, the manufacturer just came out with a new version that activates the brain for longer periods of time, but they're three times the cost.”

“I can only afford to rent these for half an hour at a time. How can I possibly afford an upgrade?”

“I understand. I just wanted to let you know what is out there because they will be discontinuing this version once the new ones are in full production.”

“I see. I’m going to say goodbye to my dad now. Catch you later, Doc.”

“I see you’re not asleep yet, Pop. I’m leaving now.”

“I can’t sleep; Margie should be here anytime now. I’m sorry, who are you?