I have an incredibly sensitive nose, and my nose has a memory. I can remember the smell of my elementary school where I went up the stairs every day from Kindergarten to 5th grade, and my high school hallway as soon as I went through those intimidating doors. The smell of old spice reminds me of my Grandpa, except it's lacking that hair gel scent he wore as well. I remember after my Grandma died, I hadn't cried until I walked in her door and her "smell" overwhelmed me. She smelled like comfort, simply and purely. I miss her.
Tonight, when I got in the car a song was playing on the radio I hadn't heard in years. It took me back to high school, sitting in a little blue Ford Probe with the sunroof back & windows down, singing at the top of my lungs with my 3 girlfriends, Betsy, Dee & Carolyn. We were following a Bronco full of boys through downtown Houston, sharing our faith with the world: "Sing Your Praise to the Lord, come on everybody, stand up and sing one more Hallelujah!" How hilarious is that! We owned the world, with not a care in the world. The freedom and feeling of that came rushing back through my senses as I remembered with a smile.
When I see a tiny baby, I remember when mine were that little...not so long ago.
When my daughter plays with my hair, it reminds me of Heather, my long-blond-haired, beautiful best friend who played with my hair in Mrs. Ewert's 2nd Grade "Circle Time".
When I taste roast beef, I think of Sunday's after church when I was little, and I'm reminded of the kitchen on West Street where my family gathered and laughed and loved and ate....together.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 37:8
