Choosing Heartfelt Perfume

Editor’s Notes: The author’s original concern for friends has now expanded to those suffering from Hurricanes Helene and Martin and beyond in this world. BTW: readers are asking if this is fact or fiction. It’s up to you to decide!

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The date was now fast approaching, or so it seemed, given the weeks that had passed since I received the invitation. The upcoming event was highly anticipated by me  as it would offer an opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of two very special people in my life.

In preparation I had already gotten an overdue haircut, eyebrows were waxed and trimmed, and plans were in place for what clothes to wear. One shopping trip remained.

Procrastination set aside, I headed off to Apache Mall. Having shed all interest in shopping in recent years — other than necessary grocery and heath related needs — I entered the mall near Macy’s. I spotted the perfume department directly in front of me. Yes, the final accouterment which I sought.

While I had had no preconceived notion of how perfume marketing was done, for this line of product I found the displays to be impressive, though overwhelming. I was elated when, in another blink of the eye, I spotted a bottle whose front label read “Generosity” printed in deep gold. But upon picking up the bottle, I saw it was empty. Turning it over revealed a back label which read “see clerk for available aromas in this product line.”

I signaled to a clerk further down the counter. As I waited for her to finish the transaction she was involved with, my mind engaged in speculation. What scents might be available? My speculating was disrupted by the clerk’s arrival. Spotting the empty bottle in my hand, she immediately reached under the counter and pulled out a covered box. Lid removed, the contents spoke to my heart.

The bottles were full. In bold print of varied colors, the scents were clearly identified: Compassion, Empathy, Attention, Encouragement, Hospitality, Love, Respect, Service, Time and more.

Before I could ask, in her own thoughtful manner she proceeded to explain: “As no one fragrance fits all, and sometimes what one feels a connection to shifts with time, there is the option of creating one’s own fragrance.” She went on to explain that no one blend was any less aromatic than another – simply different. And in its own way, once applied to an individual’s skin, it had its own unique way of radiating.

She said that whatever proportion you choose to place in this empty bottle, it truly is “Your Bottle” and represents “Your Story” at this time. “Should you wish to tweak the ratios, at any time ahead, we offer this service at no additional fee.”

I was surprised to hear they would offer this without expecting anything in return –without any additional payment. Yes, isn’t that what generosity is: to give without expecting something in return?

As I contemplated the options, it became clear. My request was for an equal volume of each scent in the bottle of Generosity. I left the store confident that though the form of generosity I might extend day-to-day might shift from time-to-time, these were the elements which I valued and hoped to remain faithful to in the remaining days of my life. Indeed, wearing this for the first time, for this 70th anniversary event would simply be so fitting, as these two individuals were positive role models in my life for which I will always be grateful — the unconditional love they showed, not just to me, but to so many others; their ongoing hospitality; their being respectful of others; their giving of time, and more merited celebrating them with these life fragrances of Compassion, Empathy, Attention, Encouragement, Hospitality, Love, Respect, Service, and Time.

And in these days and times, these are just what those suffering need — wherever they are in the world. May they be so blessed.

Copyright © 2024 by Margo Stich