The Smell of a Memory

You know that feeling you get when you walk into your Grandma's house and smell the potpourri, the smell of your mothers perfume, your ex's cologne, fresh cut grass? The feeling of an old memory coming back... and for a split second you're back in time trancing in that moment.

I felt that yesterday.

All of a sudden I was 5 years old again. I was wearing light pink heels, dressed in a night gown, curly hair and big brown eyes running into Grandmas bathroom to look in the mirror and see my new make-up. I remember that Grandma and I were standing there and she was telling me how beautiful I looked as she combed through my hair.

I always loved watching Grandma put on her makeup, maybe it was because she was so beautiful and elegant, or maybe it was because I wanted to be just like her... both were definitely true. Or, maybe it was because she let me have my very own make-up caboodle and I had a little bit of everything in there - her old lipstick, some bright blue eyeshadow, compact and blush. I made memories in those moments I would spend with her getting dolled up to go to a movie or our special trips to McDonald's. I will forever be grateful that I got to spend so much time with such a wonderful woman.

Yesterday...

I walked into Lennons room and saw my old makeup caboodle sitting there. I picked it up, looked inside and felt the memories take over me. There was my Grandmothers old makeup caboodle. The lipstick she wore, the blush, even the blue makeup. All of it - just like I remember.

The scent of a makeup box may be an odd one, and quite possibly something you've never heard someone say they "like" before but it was a smell that I will forever remember. Each day that passes I think of her, and how much she would adore Lennon, and how much fun they would have together. Their laughing and giggling. The distinct laugh my Grandma had was beautiful. The way she smooched my cheeks was so warm and sometimes obnoxious but of course, in a good way. I loved her kisses and the smell of her perfume when she hugged me. Now, I am left with memories to cherish and spread on to my little L. I am so grateful for the memories left behind and hopefully someday Lennon will get as much happiness and joy from that little makeup caboodle as I did as a child.