The other day the smell of freshly cut grass hung in the air. I was immediately taken back to days of my youth.
On any given weekend throughout spring, summer and fall, my cul-de-sac was abuzz with the sound of lawnmowers. Three horses in the pasture next to our home lined up at the fence whenever the first mower cranked into action. They would wait anxiously for that first load of grass, and then stand there for hours, grazing comfortably. There was virtually an endless supply as neighbors heaved bag after bag, over the fence, into their midst. The only thing that got those horses to move was our dog. She would nip at their shins and chase them around, just for fun. Eventually our dog would get tired and retreat to the yard; the horses would wander back to the fence, drop their heads and graze away until every blade of fresh cut grass was gone.
All of that from one simple smell; a sensory cue.
What will your kids remember about their childhood? What memories will make it to their hall of fame? As I asked myself this question, I realized that even though school has started, and the bulk of my days are free, once again, I still have the opportunity, the privilege and the responsibility to keep building moments and memories that make-up a strong foundation. Foundations that will anchor my children’s hearts to their sense of home, their collection of values, their understanding of “family.”
