the memory of her smell

Scent memory is such a powerful thing. Its actually one of the strongest senses tied to memories, more then sound or sight or touch. I've talked about scent memories before, specifically how the smell of clove cigarettes takes me right back to college.

Today I smelled my Gram.

Did I ever tell you how soft my Gram's skin was? Probably not, but it was the softest skin I've ever felt. I guess I always associated her smell with her soft skin. Maybe the smell was her lotion, I think there were hints of baby powder in there, and something else, something just her. But I smelled that smell this morning, just for a moment or two, as I was walking into work.

And in that moment I could practically feel the softness of her cheeks as she kissed and hugged me.

She was the last of my grandparents. The one I got to spend the most time with as an adult. The only one who got to know Gwen. When my mom's parents were alive I was closer to them then to my Dad's, but I was a child then, and they were both gone before I graduated high school. I got to know my Gram in a way that I didn't get to know them. I got to see her with Gwen.

It's been just over two years since we said goodbye, and I miss her so so much.