Prior to the death of my beloved brother Lamont, my lady was planning the trip of her life. She was scheduled to visit Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. Two weeks before her departure, she turned to me and said, “Please wear your New York Giants RetroSport t-shirt every night until I leave. I want to take it with me so I can smell it and remember you.” Naturally that was an “awwww” moment, but it exhibits the power of scent and its emotional connection.
According to the website “How Stuff Works,” When you first smell a new scent, you link it to an event, a person, a thing or even a moment. Your brain forges a link between the smell and a memory… When you encounter the smell again, the link is already there, ready to elicit a memory or a mood.”
Well, its THAT smell which takes you back to how masculine dad used to smell that is behind B Never’s Dear John. What a time capsule of a gem this fragrance is. For me it elicits memories of my dad’s work shirt hanging on the door knob with the scent of Obsession running all through it, the smell of Noxzema and the water running in the bathroom and me asking him, “daddy what are you doing” and he replying, “I’m shaving.” It reminds me of a time when he wasn’t so gray and using Vitalis and hearing that key in the door and running with enthusiasm to greet him.
Some may say, “Why would you want to smell like your dad?” My reply, there’s a beauty in wanting to emulate my hero.” But there’s more to this scent than that, it’s a pleasant throwback. As the literature that accompanied the scent says, “Dear John is a perfumery portrait of a man and the security, trust and love that he brings with his presence.” Now, why wouldn’t you want to smell like that?
fragrantmoments.net 
Barney, this is a really beautifully written post. It made me sentimental…remembering how the bathroom would smell after my dad got ready for work. It always made me feel safe and even now, I can recall it so clearly. Now I have to smell this fragrance…a little tribute to Dads everwhere.
I love this one! ah, the amazing olfactory senses… yes yes, it’s true. Around June, right as my annual trip home to Bermuda begins, as i envision the trip ahead i can literally smell Bermuda — the air, the water, the scent of hibiscus. And I can agree with your lady, the scent of my man inspires love and passion. Well written, B — a great post!
Tears came to my eyes as i started to read this thinking about Lamont. Your family is such a great inspiration to me and I love all of you. Especially your Dad. Such a charming gentleman who has raised two wonderful men. I think that your father should write a book on raising men… it’ll be a best seller.. I miss Lamont. By the way, what was his favorite scent
Barney, I love this post, it was full of that magic I often refer to. Thanks for this journey.
B,
This is so heartfelt – you are a gifted writer! I agree with Sheffee, your parents, did a wonderful job raising you and Lamont. Eliana’s endearing request for your tee shirt reminded me of a funny story – will share off-line:).
T-
Just wonderful, Barney!
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