Remind Me
From Stephen Tobolowsky 's Facebook timeline (9/30/2014):
Stephen Tobolowsky
I've been in Dallas the last few days spending time with my father. 92 years old.
Dad has had a series of loses that you just don't get over. He lost Mom. He lost his sight. He can't walk. His hearing is going. He's afraid his mind is almost gone.
I took him from his assisted living residence this morning for breakfast. We went to Cyndi's. A great deli on Central expressway. Dad said, "June used to love this place. I want something I've never had. Read the menu to me. I don't know what they have here."
I began to read Dad the menu. He decided he would have exactly what he always has. Eggs. Bacon. Toast. That was just like Dad.
The waitress came to our table. Dad said to me urgently, "Wait - read me more."
I said, "Chocolate chip pancakes."
"Yes, that's what I want. Read more."
"Banana pecan pancakes."
"Yes. That's what I'll have. I've never had anything like that in my life. Don't read any more. I'll change my mind again."
The waitress brought Dad the pancakes. He had a bite and said, "Stephen. This is the best thing I've ever tasted. The best thing ever. I never even imagined something like this."
I was so happy Dad had something wonderful this morning. Then he leaned in and whispered, "Next time you come to town, remind me of how much I loved this. I know I won't remember."
See also: Stephen Tobolowsky's blog and The Tobolowsky Files