They say scent is the biggest memory trigger.

I wish you could control it.
Today a lady walked in, and the smell she brought with her brought memories I haven't thought about in years
Hit me like a ton of bricks.
I had to hold back tears.
so sudden...

She smelt like the house of friends of my parents.
The husband has since passed away.
He was one of my dad's best friends
I remember, he didn't cry that day.
My dad rarely cries...
I thought for sure this one would get him.
So many memories at their house all growing up.

I just wasn't expecting it.
My head is still spinning.

She told me:

you're like an artist.
When most people speak, they speak in black and white. But your words are like strokes of so many different colors. When I speak to you, I walk away with the whole picture, not just bits and pieces. It's beautiful.