I Do Remember

“Hi, Pop. How do you feel right now?”

“I’m fine, but who are you?” I asked.

“Jacob. I’m your son. Do you remember that I was visiting you yesterday?”

My son.

I have no recollection of Margie and me having children.

“Well, Pop, you did—me—45 years ago.”

“I’ve been forgetting a lot of stuff lately, but you would think I’d remember having a son. Perhaps when Margie arrives, she’ll be able to clarify this for me. She’s late today. Probably had some errands to run. She always has a lot on her plate.”

“Agreed. Let’s change the subject for a moment. I brought you this box of old photographs. They’re from family vacations—different places, different years. Just look at a few and see what comes to mind.”

“I’ll look, but I’m not sure what you expect. If I don’t remember you, I certainly won’t remember places from thirty years ago. I really hope Margie gets here soon.”

“You’re probably right. But you’ll need these special glasses to see the pictures properly.”

“I already wear glasses, and I hate them. They make me feel like I’m always looking through a window. Another pair to clean is the last thing I need. Margie should be here any minute, right?”

“I’m not sure, Pop. But while we wait, could you look at just one picture? Of all the photos, this one is my favorite.”

“Alright, alright. If you promise to leave me alone after. Once Margie arrives, it’ll be time for The Price Is Right.”

“I promise. Just one picture.”

“Fine. I’ll switch to these ugly glasses and—

…WOW.”

“I feel like I’m in the picture. This is incredible. I remember everything.”

“We were on vacation in New Hampshire. I took you on your very first fishing trip to Lake Winnipesaukee. You were twelve, and all you wanted to do was fish. We were out there all day without eating. Then suddenly, this massive lake trout grabbed your line and almost pulled you into the water.

You fought that fish for what felt like an hour. You never gave up. And when your mother took this picture, you released the fish back into the lake. That made me prouder than the catch itself. That day, you were a true sportsman.

I wish your mother were here to see this with us.”

“Son… what’s wrong? Your eyes look watery.”

“It’s nothing, Pop. Just a little dust.”

“Tell me the truth. Your mother isn’t coming, is she?”

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

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

“That’s okay. Your doctor asked me to meet him. I’ll be back to say goodbye.”

“How is he doing, Doc?”

“Stable—that’s the best way to describe it. Those glasses really are something, aren’t they?”

“They are. Every time I show him this picture, he remembers the day in perfect detail. I just wish his mind could hold onto the memories.”

“The manufacturer has released a new model. It keeps the brain active much longer—but it costs three times as much.”

“I can only afford to rent these for half an hour at a time. I don’t know how I’d pay for an upgrade.”

“I understand. I just wanted you to know—once the new ones are fully released, they’ll stop making this version.”

“I see. Then it’s time for me to say goodbye.”

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

“Margie should be here any minute. I can’t sleep.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Apologies… but who are you?”