Aqua Velva and Jeopardy

So a week ago, I was going about my work day, walking down the hallway on the ortho floor having just seen a patient. As I was thinking about diabetes, insulin, fluid boluses and diabetic diet orders I was hit with the most visceral memory I have had in years. A midst my medical decision making, the Jeopardy theme song was coming from a patient's TV. All of a sudden I was not in a medical ward. I was walking through my grandparents back door, and the washer and dryer were running, with the smell of fabric softener wafting in the air. The kitchen was welcoming me with the sounds of some tasty dinner cooking on the stove, holding the promise of just about the best meal ever. Just beyond the kitchen I could hear the Jeopardy theme song, and then I could see and hear my grandparents sitting in their recliners answering the questions. Grandma was just taking a quick moment to rest in between turning meat on the skillet. She had her feet up and was wearing one of her many aprons. Grandpa was wearing a freshly laundered light blue cotton leisure suit, and the scent of his Aqua Velva aftershave just barely won out over the smell of the fresh laundry. As I sat on the couch next to Grandpa, he asked if I was going to stay for dinner. With such an inviting atmosphere, it would have been impossible to say no. So as we sit and watch Jeopardy, I stand amazed at all the knowledge and data one can accumulate in 70 years of living, and that done while farming. As the tears started to well up in my eyes, the memory was gone, with the smells, and sounds, and comfort of home lingering with me.
It never ceases to amaze me that the memories that create our past never really leave us. Even though he has been gone almost 16 years, and she has been gone almost 6 years, they are always with me. Just under the surface. Comforting me, calling me to slow down and take notice of the little things. Shaping who I am today. How many times did I walk through their door? I could never begin to answer that question. But every time I did I knew I was walking into love. If you see me in the hallway choked up, and it is Jeopardy time, don't worry, I am probably off in my own little world of Aqua Velva and Jeopardy memories.