Vapor Rub- A memory
That menthol scent triggers such memories.
“Put Vicks on your chest, forehead, under your nose, on your feet...”
My mother’s voice rings in my ear as I open a jar. The viscous white elixir was the fixer of all problems.
“Put some on your knee if it’s aching.”
It’s a comforting smell that’s followed me from childhood. It cures, it blankets, it reminds me of my mother and navigating everything that ails you.
“The best way to get rid of that cold is to rub some Vicks on your chest and put a warm cloth on.”
It may not fix the economy, or politics, or relationship problems, but it heals something nonetheless.
That smell, that overly minty scent that you inhale and just feel better from breathing it in.
It’s the scent of care
“If you’re sick, put on some Vick’s and you’ll feel better.”
Sometimes, when life is hard, all I want to do is open some Vicks and let the menthol make me well.
