Jim Mark

They say the last sense to go is the sense of hearing. 

Today the last sense I have is smell. 

As I walk through our home, I smell different things.  I smell the swamp cooler.  I smell a baby scent on the mattress JR and Leslie loaned us for our guests.  I smell Poupie’s litter box.  I smell the clean, fresh air from outdoors after the swamp cooler is off, and it’s 10:00 o’ clock at night.

I think of the first time Greg and I met and the smell he had – it was good or I wouldn’t be here! 

I think of the welcoming smells that would follow…

I think of the first time I met my father-in-law and the smell of my in-laws home from a roast in the oven for Sunday dinner. 

I think of the smell of Bubba (yuck) – Jim’s best buddy. 

I think of the smell of the farm on a crisp morning getting ready to dig potatoes – or the smell of hay when Greg bales it. 

I remember the smell of the morning when I first showed my father-in-law my engagement ring – and the smile he had was reassuring.

The smell of happiness and laughter when first meeting my new family – on all occasions. 

The smell of Lorene’s gatherings bringing people together when Jim couldn’t come out.

I think of the smell of Jimmy, Jim’s first pride and joy, when I first met him.  Kindness and a sense of welcoming…

I think of the combined smells of my father, and my father-in-law.  As you would imagine, nothing was sweeter or more precious.

I think of visiting Jim and smell his aftershave after Lorene would bath him at home.  I smell the peanut butter and jam from his toast she would prepare for him at 3:00pm when he would wake up. 

And yes, still the smell of Bubba…

The smell of holidays – the smell of reunions – the smell of happiness – the smell of family…

My role has been such a brief one.  Nonetheless, I see each and every day what Jim (and Lorene and Greg through Jim) told me about each of you.  I hadn’t realized the impact until over the past week.  Yes, I speak of smell, but he has also blessed me with the sense of sight and how special all of you are.  It breaks my heart that I hadn’t seen it sooner, but I still have my sense of love. 

Thank you and I look forward to my lifetime with you…