This is the time of year when I usually feel one of two ways, either anticipation of gifts I may receive and people I will once again see. Or melancholy and sad for those times I can’t recapture and friends and loved ones gone from my life. I also think much about a personal loss of mine. Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch are considered the 5 senses of the human body. I would argue that if you were forced to choose which one you could live without if forced to choose one in some sadistic game, you’d probably choose taste or smell. Some might pick touch. But I doubt there would be any takers of sight or sound. That was actually a question posed to me while I was still in high school. Little did I know that a few short years later, life would make my choice. I never figured out a cause, I don’t even recall if it was sudden or something that occurred over time, but somewhere in my twenties, I lost my sense of smell. I don’t mean to say I don’t smell. Some would tell you that there are times I am downright ripe. I’m saying rather that my olfactory ability is gone. In other words, I can’t smell. The loss of my sense of smell actually won me the job of official diaper changer for my two Sons, then later for my Daughter. I know right? What contest in hell was I entered in? And if that was first prize I don’t even want to think about what the losers got! True story though, on rare occasions, I would briefly regain the ability to smell something. Guess when that was? Yep, right in the middle of a diaper change. Imagine not being able to smell anything for years, and then the business end of a diaper hits you in the face. The reason this is the time of year I think about my lost sense of smell the most is because of all the wonderful smells I now miss. The turkey, ham, stuffing, cookies, and many others are now only memories. How I loved the way a freshly cut Christmas tree would engulf the house with its smell. People used to tell me how lucky I was to not have to smell this or that, but at times it can be downright dangerous. On more than one occasion I was nearly overcome by noxious fumes. As you may know, your sense of smell is closely tied to your sense of taste. I can taste sweet salty, sour, and the basics, but I am unable to tell the taste of cherry from that of strawberry, or pork from chicken for example. Much of the enjoyment from eating is gone. This post comes to you as the holiday season is in full swing. Thanksgiving is just a memory and most are out buying gifts. I would like to thank all those who took the time to make my day brighter by posting on Facebook or texting me directly with your birthday wishes. It really meant a lot to me for many reasons. I caution you to exercise restraint with your holiday purchases this year. Don’t wind up with too much credit card debt come January.
