Scents and Smiles

It’s been two and a half years since my grandma passed away. The sharp and shocking feelings of grief have dulled. I’ve experienced joyful holidays, despite her absence. I can reminisce about her and smile.

But there is nothing that takes your heart right back to someone, or a distant and cherished time, like a scent.

Today my step-dad and I donated grandma’s beloved Christmas decorations to an assisted living center. As we were sorting through the items I opened a bag and WOAH. There she was. The scent of my grandmother. I was right back in her living room, sitting on the edge of her seat, holding her soft hands and laughing about some silly story.

I took a few deep breaths into that bag and lingered in the past for a few precious moments. It was such a gift to me as we gifted her things so that they may live on into someone else’s memories.