Soundtrack Sunday

I remember the first time I heard this song. I was living in Jan's parents house on my mission. My companion and I were in their family room with the door shut, reading our scriptures. Her parents were in the kitchen, watching GMA, and Trisha Yearwood was the performer that day. As she sang this song, my companion and I stopped what we were doing, sat and looked at each other and listened. For those few moments that we were silent-- listening-- it seemed as though time had stopped for us.

That memory is seared into my brain. When the song was over, I gave a silent clap and my companion and I both agreed that it was beautiful... and so very true. Songs really do remember when. I wonder if she remembers that moment when she hears this song. And further, I wonder if it is as vivid of a memory for her as it is for me.

Isn't that the way it is though? Sounds, smells, and photos-- they all have the ability to trigger memories. At least for me they do.

When I get a whiff of coffee, floating through the air-- especially McDonald's coffee , or I hear the CNN Headline News music, I think of the Airport. Any airport really, it doesn't matter. The smells and music trigger the memories of traveling.

When the aroma of bus fumes (eww gross. I know) catch my nose, I immediately think of Mexico City... and the time I spent there with my Dad.

When I smell cigarette smoke (far away from me, if you please), I remember the endless summer nights when I would go and stay with my Grandparents. My grandfather was a smoker, and would sit on the porch and smoke. When I smell that smell-- I get this warm feeling and I see him... Sitting there on his front steps smoking, watching the sunset.

If there is chlorine in the air, I think of my old house in Illinois; and the smell of anything grilling brings me to my happy place.

I guess that is why I really like this whole Soundtrack Sunday thing. The music triggers memories. But, so do smells and images. I want to capture those moments, those memories, and sear them into my brain. I want to pass them on to my children. So that when they hear, see or smell something-- they will remember too.

what are your memory triggers?