I’m sorry in advance for forgetting things this morning. It’s only going to get worseas I get older. My mind isn’t what it used to be. I noticed a difference after COVID— 2020,devastating for society; for me, four days in the hospital. COVID fog, a real problem. Learning without retention. Facts and knowledge stay in my brain less than before— less than usual. Dementia? I hope not. Alzheimer’s? Could be. My mother’s father, Grandpa Foster, died from it. Acutely aware of the complications, anticipating what’s coming. Coins in a soda machine— quarters flow straight through, land with a clank. Try again. Next coin—same thing, drops straight through again. A teenager, sharp and smart, stopped at a light, 1986. Grandpa standing on the corner. “Hi, Grandpa!” Nothing. “It’s me!” Known me my whole life. “How are you?” No recognition. He stared straight through. Now I’m staring at the same approach— the forthcoming potential. A travelator transporting quickly, unfortunately, unknowingly. I apologize now for my misremembering, for blurring memories, for walking into the future fog. Forgive me in advance.
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