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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Fragrance (10/24/05)
"Kelly, Did you spray yourself with perfume again? You know it bothers my allergies.” I turned to deliver my daughter one of my most potent glares while she was busily applying her lipstick in the visor mirror.

“Sorry, mom. I forgot!” she replied with a degree of feigned innocence. I bit back my next retort and focused on my driving. I only had two more days for that fragrance to linger in my hallways or greet me in my laundry room. I choked back a sob.

My daughter was getting married. I knew I could handle the marriage part as I had raised her to find a godly husband and move into her own home like I did. I was discovering I couldn’t handle the part where she kisses me goodbye and flies to the other side of the country.

Mother’s Day weekend. I wiped back thoughts of unfairness as I pulled on my new dress. With the wedding flurry beginning, we rushed to the country church she and I had discovered months before to hold her special ceremony She had known immediately this was the place and we had hugged in celebration after the tour.

“Are you going to be okay?” My husband reached his arm around my shoulder as I stepped out of the bridal room. She was breathtaking and I needed to compose myself. I prayed God would get me through this day.

“I’ll be fine. I am trying not to count the hours.” I sniffed. He eyed me with that twinkle and pulled a well worn tissue from his tuxedo pocket.

“Here, I’ll share with you what I have left.” I took a deep breathe and reentered the room for one last picture with her before we gave her away.

*****

“The reception is great. You both did a wonderful job. I’m sure Kelly appreciates all you did for her.” My best friend rested beside me at our linen covered table. The last crumbs of the wedding cake lay discarded on stacked plates.

“Thanks. They seemed to enjoy themselves.” My eyes skirted back to my daughter who was now lovingly linking arms with her husband while sharing last hugs.

I bit back my disappointment. My hopes still lingered on a scenario where they decided not to move across the country. I thought about her stacks of boxes waiting to be loaded into the moving van the next morning and driven to their new location by her generous in-laws. Her memories with us had been lovingly wrapped and prepared for their long trip.

“Let me get you some more tissues.” My friend dug into her tiny clutch purse and pulled out a slightly torn tissue. I giggled when I remembered all the used tissues I had been the recipient of that day.

It was time. I looked up and noticed my husband going in for his third round of hugs. It was my turn. I wiped back my last escaping tear and rose from my chair. How would I ever make it to her? I felt someone pat my arm and another hand grip my shoulder. Kelly caught my movement and was in my arms before I took another step.

“I love you mom.” she choked into my shoulder. “I love you too, honey.” I muffled the words into her upswept hair. We squeezed until I knew it was time to let her go. I reached for her face and cupped her cheek.

“I’ll miss you so much but I know you will be happy.” Kelly nodded between her tears. “Remember that Dad and I are always just a phone call away if you ever need us.”

“I’ll remember, mom. You and dad have always been there for me. Thanks for praying for this day,” she smiled. I realized then God had answered my prayers.

*****

“Let me get these things. I’ll be right in.” My husband offered. I picked my way through the garage and entered our home through the laundry room. My nose instantly detected the fragrance of body wash and perfume. Walking past my daughter’s bathroom, I noted the nearly empty vanity. My eyes caught on a blue box sitting next to the guest towel. A tag with the word MOM in my daughter’s distinctive handwriting hung from its side.

I squeezed back my brimming emotions as I pried the gift open. A smile forced its way over my tears. Flipping the cap, I doused myself with the sweet scent of perfume.
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This article has been read 1637 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
10/31/05
Remember Me...what a touching story...I loved it, and it was well written; I, myself, have just started entering the weekly challenges, and I hope to get some feedback on my writing also. Good Job..Well done, Marilyn Schnepp
Lisa Graham
10/31/05
Wonderful imagery! What a sweet, precious story! You captured the mother's aching heart along with the mixed joy of pride and hope for her daughter as she embarked upon her marriage.
Kate Wells
10/31/05
Made me cry...and appreciate my 15 year old ever so much more. They are grown so quickly. Thanks for reminding me. Great story!
Jan Ackerson
11/02/05
Oh, very sweet! My own daughter just got married a few month ago, and you've captured the mother's emotions perfectly.
Garnet Miller 
11/02/05
It's nice to know that when we leave home or this life, our memory will linger in the minds of others like the last vestiges of scent on a pillow or a piece of clothing. They will tuck it away and cherish the memory until they are a memory themselves. Thanks for this powerful piece:)
Nina Phillips
11/03/05
Oh how sweet! Your title is so befitting, and I was thinking about what Jesus said, Do this in remembrence of me. I know how I felt when my daughter moved to Kentucky, and I still have that lingering (I need a tissue) thing. Lovely story! God bless ya, littlelight
dub W
11/03/05
Very nice. Look at the second paragraph - the ! is not needed, the affirmation says "she replied." Overall a good effort.
blessings
dub
Laurie Glass 
11/03/05
What a well written and heartwarming story. It made me cry. Good job.
Brandi Roberts
11/03/05
I don't think I'm gonna let mine get married after this. LOL A real tearjerker! Thanks for sharing!
Shari Armstrong 
11/04/05
A well written story of the love of a mother and daughter - glad I have sereral years before I have to face that day.
Karen Ward
11/04/05
I understand why she did it, but boy, how will her allergies be now?!
Heartwarming and sweet. Well done.
:) Karen
B Brenton
11/04/05
Aw. This was sooo sweet. It's reminded me of my mum.
She hates the smell of harsh perfumes and has allergies too! Sob!
Debbie OConnor
11/05/05
Delightful. You made me laugh and cry. Very well written -- just wonderful!
Shelley Snyder
11/05/05
What a wonderful story. It made me tear up. Great job!
Julianne Jones
11/06/05
A lovely story and well written. Made me cry and made me glad that when my son gets married next Feb he's just moving down the road a bit! LOL. Well done.
Val Clark
11/06/05
Great description of the Big Day and a parent's emotions. Nice circular thing with the laundry reference.
Michelle Burkhardt
11/07/05
Wow! Great description and very powerful. I loved the ending. Very precious and links the title. A winner in my book.
Debbie Sickler
11/07/05
I enjoyed this and overall it was well written. One thing I was confused by a little was the paragraph when the mom was going to give her daughter a hug. She says she looks up and sees the daughter. She thinks, "How will I ever make it to her?" but then you have her daughter patting her on the shoulder? I also found all the used tissue sharing a little icky, but it definitely made the point of all the overflowing emotions! Great job.