Last week one of my volunteers at work brought in a stash of lifesavers of all different flavors--the giant quarter-sized lifesavers, each wrapped individually. I sampled a couple of the flavors--naturally gravitating towards the purplish ones (various forms of berry flavors). Then Joy brought to my attention a golden brown one and I immediately reached for it. "Butter Rum!" I exclaimed. "This reminds me of my mom!" When I opened the wrapper and placed the lifesaver in my mouth, immediately the flavor on my tongue summoned happy memories from my childhood. I remember Mom often carrying a roll of butter rum lifesavers in her purse. Funny how a little round piece of candy in a cylindrical wrapper can be such an amazing and tantalizing treat--I'm sure a roll didn't last very long, having to share it with 3 little kids!
It's fascinating how many memories can be tied to any one of our senses: smell, taste, touch, sound, and sight.
