The Million Mile Candle

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  For the most part, I agree.  A picture captures a single moment, a memory that would have otherwise gone away over time.  When you see it, you're instantly transported to that second.  One can recall the time, the place, the event, the feelings that made it so special.  It's what I do and what I love.  Almost nothing can compare.  But there are always things that you can't capture on film.

So when Mom called yesterday to tell me that she was coming to visit and bringing Michele's now infamous candle with her, I was thrilled.  It was promised to be a scent that could transport me to my childhood. It had been tested and approved by everyone in the family. 

In the simple lift of the lid, I was instantly eight years old, sitting on the brown leather toilet seat lid, watching Grandpa shave.  Or cuddled with him on the den floor, eating ice cream and watching Tiger baseball.  A million memories came rushing back...none of which required a picture.  Black Pepper Bergamot, who knew?

Mom has since gone home (leaving me sad as always) and I called Michele first thing to thank her for such an awesome gift.  Grandpa in a jar was what Mom called it.  To me, it's the million mile candle.  That scent has traveled a long way to make it back to us, to remind us of those that are looking over us and to never let us forget the wonderful moments that couldn't be captured with a camera.  The ones that live in our hearts for a lifetime.