Hy and Selma Epstein were having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to their doctor and get checked out. The doctor told them that they were physically just fine but might want to start writing notes to help them remember things. The Epsteins thanked the doctor and left.
Later that night while watching TV, Hy got up from his chair and Selma asked, “Where are you going?”
“To the kitchen.”
“Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?” Selma asked.
“Sure.”
“Don’t you think you should write it down so you can remember it?”
“No, I can remember that.”
Selma added, “I also would like some strawberries on top. You had better write that down because I know you’ll forget that.”
Hy replied, “I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.”
“I also would like whipped cream on top. I know you will forget that so you better write it down.”
With irritation in his voice, Hy said, “I don’t need to write that down, I can remember that.” He then fumed into the kitchen.
After about 20 minutes Hy returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of gefilte fish.
Selma stared at the plate for a moment and said, “You forgot my toast.”