Roses and muscle cream: how scent carries memory

a close up of a pink rose with a bee on it .

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet

Visiting my grandparents for a week in the summertime was a tradition of my childhood. Each day my sister and I escaped the “seen and not heard” policy in the house to run free in the yard and at the school playground across the gravel road. Since we were rarely allowed in the front room (kept for company, of course), we always used the back door. This required a harrowing trip through the bees that swarmed the rosebushes my Grandmother had planted along the house. To this day, the scent of a sun-warmed tea rose takes me back to those days.

Scent is one of the strongest senses tied to memory. The reason behind this seems to be related to the anatomy of our brain, according to Venkatesh Murthy, chair of Harvard’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. He shares that scents “are handled by the olfactory bulb, the structure in the front of the brain that sends information to the other areas of the body’s central command for further processing. Odors take a direct route to the regions [of the brain]…related to emotion and memory.” See full article.

This was illustrated for me recently when I came across a tube of Aspercreme in the grocery store. After a quick look around me, I opened the cap and inhaled the eye-watering aroma, instantly transported to a sofa in my mother’s basement. There I sat every day after high school swim practice, talking to my boyfriend on the phone while rubbing that muscle cream on my aching legs and arms. The boyfriend is long gone, but the memory is still sharp and crisp in my mind.

We all have scent memories of times past and of people who are no longer with us. Maybe it is the aroma of cookies baking, or a favorite recipe being prepared that takes you back. Or perhaps it is the leather of a well-worn baseball glove, a can of shaving cream, or the breeze coming off the ocean.

When someone we love dies, re-creating these scent memories tied to our time with them can stir warm feelings and bring us back to the times we shared. Sometimes these memories can take us by surprise, and are unwelcome, but many can bring comfort. So, buy that muscle cream, make that recipe, head to the beach, or stop and smell those roses. Your loved one will be with you there.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Funeral

June 22, 2026

What are the first steps when a loved one passes away? The first step is to notify the proper authorities. If your loved one passes at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the passing occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps. Once this has been done, you can contact a funeral home. Our team is available to help you begin arrangements and coordinate transportation of your loved one into our care. Do I need to plan the funeral right away? While some decisions need to be made relatively quickly, you do not have to finalize every detail immediately. We will help you prioritize what needs to be handled first and give you time to consider the more personal elements of the service. What types of funeral services are available? There are several options available depending on your preferences, beliefs, and budget. These may include: Traditional funeral services with a viewing and burial Memorial services (held after burial or cremation) Graveside services Celebration of life Cremation services with or without a formal ceremony We are here to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s life. How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the services and options selected. Factors that may influence cost include: Burial or cremation choice Casket or urn selection Venue and staffing Transportation Printed materials and flowers We are committed to transparency and will walk you through all options to help you make decisions that align with your needs and budget. Can I personalize the service? Absolutely. Personalization is one of the most meaningful parts of a funeral service. Families often include: Favorite music or readings Photo displays or memory tables Video tributes Special themes or colors Cultural or religious traditions Our goal is to help you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy. What should I bring to the arrangement meeting? It’s helpful to bring: A recent photo of your loved one Clothing for burial or cremation Personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.) Military discharge papers (if applicable) Preplanning documents (if arrangements were made in advance) Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can guide you through what’s needed. What is preplanning and is it necessary? Preplanning allows individuals to make their own funeral arrangements in advance. While it is not required, it can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Many families find comfort in knowing these decisions have already been made. What happens after the service? After the service, we continue to support families by: Assisting with necessary paperwork Providing grief resources Helping coordinate burial or cremation follow-up Offering guidance on memorialization options Our care does not end after the service—we are here for you in the days and months that follow. We’re Here to Help Planning a funeral is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and help you create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. If you have additional questions or would like to begin planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is a Celebration of Life, and How Is It Different?

April 13, 2026

In recent years, the phrase “celebration of life” has become more common when families are planning services for a loved one. While many people have heard the term, there can still be confusion about what it truly means and how it differs from a traditional funeral. At its heart, a celebration of life is not about replacing tradition, but about offering a more flexible, personalized way to honor and remember a life. A celebration of life is a personalized service that focuses on honoring the unique story, personality, and legacy of the individual who has passed. While it can be held in a variety of locations, many families choose to gather in the comfort of a funeral home chapel, where they have both guidance and the ability to customize the experience. These services most often take place after cremation, which allows families more time to plan and create a meaningful tribute. However, every family’s preferences are different, and services can be arranged in whatever way feels most appropriate. No two celebrations of life are exactly the same, because no two lives are the same. One of the most meaningful aspects of a celebration of life is the ability to incorporate personal touches that reflect the life being honored, even within a chapel setting. Families may choose to include themed elements that represent a loved one’s passions, hobbies, or personality. This could be as simple as displaying favorite photos and memorabilia, or as unique as incorporating colors, music, or décor that reflect what they loved most in life. Memory tables, tribute videos, and customized music selections can all be seamlessly incorporated into a chapel service. Some families also invite guests to participate by sharing stories or bringing items that hold special meaning. This blend of personalization within a supportive, structured environment often provides both comfort and creativity during a difficult time. A celebration of life offers families the opportunity to gather in a familiar, supportive setting while creating a service that truly reflects their loved one. By combining the comfort of a chapel with the flexibility of personalization, it becomes a meaningful way to honor a life and share memories with those who matter most. There is no right or wrong way to plan a service. The most important thing is creating a space that feels genuine, supportive, and reflective of the person being remembered.