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A memory made me smile today

Or was it a sign?

Written by Connie Small, June 14, 2001

I went shopping at Wal-Mart a few days ago and was walking past the perfume counter when something made me stop. I found the clerk and asked if they carried 'ici. (Pronounced ee-cee) Cassy's favorite perfume. The clerk said they did and showed me where the boxes were. As I looked at the box, something vague inside of me told me I had to buy it. I obeyed, although not sure why, as I hadn't worn perfume for a very long time.

I came home and put away the groceries, forgetting for the time being, about the perfume. I left the bags of non-food items on the counter as I prepared the evening meal. For the next 3 hours or so, I didn't think of the perfume. After the meal, after dishes were done, after watching TV for a while, I decided to put away the rest of the stuff I had bought. I saw the box of `ici.

I opened it and dabbed a bit on my wrist. The fragrance reminded me so much of Cassy, it was as if I was holding her in my arms. I could actually FEEL her with me! I smiled and felt a warmth in my heart that I hadn't felt for a long time. When Jen came over last night, she saw the perfume and asked about it. After hearing that it was Cassy's favorite perfume, she asked to wear some. I happily handed her the bottle. For a few moments, we both felt closer to our Cassy.

Sometimes it takes a while for the signs from our loved ones to go from our heart to our consciousness. I'm writing this now because a few moments ago, I realized just how strong this sign is from Cassy. That it is a message I've needed and wanted ever since she died. I just realized, when the perfume came out, the company's ad for it was centered around one thing...

'ici means..."here".