Last week was one of my step-children’s birthday.

After checking to make sure they’d be around, I told Jim we were going to call to wish them a Happy Birthday.

When they came on the phone, Jim started singing “Happy Birthday to you…”

It was easy to tell they were choking up. Even though they aren’t physically around much, they realize their time left with their father is passing rapidly. Even though his body will be around for a few more years, he won’t be.

We had a quick chat and I hung up the phone.

An hour later, as we were eating lunch Jim asked, “Have you heard from [insert child’s name] lately.”

“Yeah Babe. We called to with them a Happy Birthday this morning.”

“Did we?” then he muttered. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” But it was easy to tell he didn’t really remember.