A memory, same time next year

To the editor:

Tomorrow is my birthday. Not a chance that I will forget, for the saucy computer rushes to tell me before I can get my arthritic fingers from the keyboard. This is a good day, however. I called friend Tom (not his real name) for a chat. We had last talked six months ago, and I have been afraid to call since then, for when he answered and I said, "This is Peter," he responded with an empty voice, "Who?"

I remembered that his wife had told me he was having memory problems. So I went around town telling mutual friends Tom did not remember me. Today was delightfully different. He recalled everything. I hated myself for giving him only one chance. We had a chat, and I keep his name in my memory book. Meantime, "Have a great day. I'll see you next year."

PETER HILTY, Cape Girardeau