It was only $2.72. But it brought back a flood of memories. During a recent shopping trip, I surprisingly found a bottle of shampoo that was very popular during my childhood. I wasn't even sure it was still on the market. But there it was on the shelf. As I opened the bottle, wondering if the scent remained the same, I noticed the color was exactly as I remembered. Then I smelled that familiar, clean scent and my mind immediately returned to my younger days. I remember Mom having a glass bottle of this shampoo sitting by the tub on a regular basis. I even remember Mom helping me, as a very young child, wash my long hair with it. She would even help me comb it out, trying to prevent tangles. Familiar scenes became so vivid as I stood in the aisle smelling shampoo. I knew I had to purchase it...to cherish the memories.
That may sound trivial. But it means much to me. My Mom has been living in a nursing home for almost two years. Now someone else washes her hair. Someone else combs it, trying to prevent tangles. Someone else selects her shampoo, clothes, food and care. Someone else takes care of Mom, the woman who used to take care of me. So every memory I have of her, past and present, is held close to my heart. That's why a $2.72 bottle of shampoo will probably sit by my tub for a very long time...bringing priceless, precious and powerful memories.
Sometimes I feel like my life is quite insignificant in this busy, big world. But I hope that those I love dearly will someday see something that reminds them of me...and how much little things really mean. Maybe they will see flowers...a piano or violin...poetry...cast iron cookware...dishes...or an inexpensive bottle of shampoo...and remember that each moment matters. Each breath we take is an opportunity to make irreplaceable memories. Create them. Cherish them. Hold them in the depths of our hearts. We have this moment, an incredibly significant gift, that may touch a life forever.<3~thl
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