Memories Brought on by Senses

I wrote in a previous post about how the sense of smelling flowers triggered memories of my grandmother's funeral in 1957.  It is amazing how different senses can trigger memories.

I have a FitBit and have been doing a lot of walking and stepping.  I have incredible Bose headphones that I wear and have 2300 plus songs on my iPod that I listen to when exercising.   I have it on shuffle so different songs come up and I never know which one will come up next.

This morning several songs brought back memories of people who have meant a lot to me.  "Abilene" reminds me of my friend, Jane Campbell.   We were teachers together at Patterson and she was my son's first grade teacher.   She was a great lady and  a great teacher and was a very good friend to me through the years.  We also had so much fun over the years.   Jane passed away several years ago and I miss her friendship.  But that song always brings back memories of her as she was born in Abilene, Texas.

"I Hope You Dance" brings back memories of my dear friend, Ellen Widmer.   This song was sung at her funeral when she died in 2003.   I have written previous blog posts about Ellen.  She was one of my best friends ever and I miss her.  There are other songs that remind me of her and the years we had together, but this one is especially poignant.  I will never forget the day that Ellen called me at Gilbert El and asked me to do the eulogy at her funeral.  I was honored and saddened at the same time, but I did it.   Was that ever hard!

"De Colores" always reminds me of my dear friend, Emilie Rodger, and her dad.    When he died several years ago, this song was played at his funeral.  I am so grateful to have Emilie in my life and as a friend.   Her family meant the world to me as they are much like my own big family.

A song came up today that I hadn't heard for sometime.  It is by Connie Francis and is named "Stupid Cupid."   That brought back some great memories of high school when I was president of the club that sponsored foreign exchange students.  We had a talent show (I think it was called a Hootenanny then).   My little "sister" Judy danced to this song.  I think she was probably around eight years old.  She was so cute doing that dance and I remember she was introduced as "Sheila's little sister."

And then there is "Mack the Knife" which brings back so many memories of my wonderful Aunt Dot!  This was her favorite song and is always played at any family get together that we have.   Dot was one of a kind!   She was always so good to me and I loved her dearly.  She has been gone since 1981 and I still miss her.   But the good thing is that I am close to her incredible children (my Park cousins) and I am so thankful for that!!!

So as I get my steps in each day, I am also able to remember different people and events in my life that have meant a lot.   

It is amazing how the senses of smell and hearing can trigger memories and emotions!!! I am thankful that they do because I have so many wonderful memories!!!