DEAR ABBY: Recently a reader told you how she used the telephone answering machine to monitor calls for her bedridden husband -- and how he enjoyed listening to his messages, even repeatedly. Such a recording could be a treasured memento of the kind words left by friends and family for their terminally ill loved ones.
I am not ill, but I appreciate hearing the voices of loved ones who call when I am not at home. I, too, play the message back more than once -- for the joy of hearing that voice.
Eventually the answering machine must be cleared, but before I clear it, I often put my cassette tape recorder beside the answering machine and record the messages on tape. Then, if I wish, I can hear them again -- today, tomorrow or any time I need a lift. -- MS. HAZEL DANIELSON, SHORELINE, WASH.
DEAR HAZEL: What a clever idea! I'm passing it along.