"A MOURNING MOMENT" BY BOB WILLIS

Grief and our five senses

Have you ever considered how our five senses are involved in the grief experience? I can recall from early education that we are blessed with the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
The sense that can often surprise us in the grief journey is the sense of smell. For days, weeks, months, and even years following the death of a loved one, a certain fragrance or smell can stir our deepest feelings.
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It may be the cologne you smell in a crowd of people. It may be the aroma of fresh baked goods that brings back a special memory. Perhaps a fragrance that no one else notices can bring tears from your heart connection.

Seven years after her mother's death, my wife opened a box in our garage and quickly closed it. "That smells just like mom!", she said. A box of treasures. Not the items necessarily, but the fragrance. You may have items that were handled by your loved one. Do not be surprised if their fragrance continues to linger on these items.
Look for those aromas and scents that connect you to memories of your loved one. Don't try to avoid them, but instead, wrap your heart and emotions around them.
Have you noticed that your sense of smell brings back memories? This can be when we least expect it...or we may intentionally arrange our sense of smell with a special memory.
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"
"JESUS: The CRUCIFIED CAREGIVER"