My mom owned what seemed like hundreds of shawls and scarves. She usually always had one draped around her shoulders. She hated being cold. She had shawls of every different color and they were from all over the world. This is a picture of a few of my favorites that I have now with me at home.My sister and I gave away several of them to her fellow teachers in the last school she and my dad taught at. I kept about 15 for myself and I love each and every one of them. For some of them, I even remember exactly which outfit she would wear it with.
I rarely wear them out because I don't want them to lose their smell. Yes, they still smell a little like my mom. It's been three years or more since she wore them and somehow, I can still smell her perfume on most of them. I've even found a few of her little blond hairs in them. It hurts to think that by wearing them, they are becoming more of 'me' and less my mom. I never knew how strong of an emotional connection scent carried with it until after dealing with the loss of my parents. Their scent has such an intense power over me still to this day. I hope that I never forget with they each smelled like.
Yet, it's getting colder now (sort of) and I promised myself that this year, I would wear them out more. They deserve to be worn. I know that my mom would have loved to see me wearing them so I'll do that for her. Perhaps, it will help make me feel closer to her.
Scent is very powerful. I am glad that keeping the scarves is letting you still "feel her" so to speak. They are beautiful. Oh and yes, like I told "M" I would have given the award to her again if possible. To you too. Great blog!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautifully touching story. thank you for sharing. (maybe pick a few that you'll never/rarely wear out so a few smell like her forever...)
ReplyDeletegreat blog!
This is so sweet, really moved me when i read it! It's amazing what memories a scent will bring back. Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteAlice X
Thank you for all these sweet comments blogging friends. Blogging is definitely therapy for me in many ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I can understand the anxiety of wearing them and losing that scent. Smell is such a powerful thing. But who knows, maybe you will feel more like her with that same fabric touching your skin?
ReplyDeleteThe sense of smell as always been one of my greatest senses.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had held on to more of mom's scarves, however, I always forget I have the ones I do.