I Believe in Fresh Laundry
I believe in the smell of fresh laundry. I love the warmth from the clothes and the smell of detergent rubbed into every single fiber. I believe in this particular smell because it reminds me of home and family. This smell keeps me in touch with where I come from, no matter how far away I am.
I remember when I was five years old, coming home from school and seeing a big pile of fresh laundry on the living room floor. I would run up to it and jump in! I would play in it for hours. Well, at least until the warmth from the clothes faded away.
If I were tired, I would crawl into the middle of the giant heap of fresh laundry and go to sleep. I would sleep soundly and no one would hear me. Sometimes my parents would go looking for me, shouting, “Where’s Nora, where’s Nora!?” I would just stay put and hide. I would have to hold in my giggles to stay hidden. The searching was hilarious, like a game of hide-and-go-seek.
When I was finished playing, I would help my mom fold and put away the clothes. My mom would show me neat ways to fold the clothes so they looked like the way they do when they’re displayed in stores. Those were the times when I could really spend quality time with my mom without any interruptions. Those are some of my most precious memories.
Fresh laundry doesn't just mean “home” and “family” to me. It also means comfort and security. When the warmth from the clothes surrounds my entire body, it makes me feel safe. The laundry also smells like my mother, which makes me feel like she is holding and protecting me and will never let me go. When I was eight, my mom had to go away on business for the whole summer. At night before I went to bed, I would miss her more than anything, so I would sleep with one of her shirts. That smell filled the void left by my mom, and helped me sleep soundly throughout the night.
Certain senses can trigger deep memories, and someone once told me that smell was the strongest. I learned that is true. When I smell fresh laundry, all those wonderful memories of being with my mom come flooding into my brain. That is why fresh laundry is more than just laundry to me. It’s home, family, comfort, and safety all bundled up in one big ball of fresh, clean clothes.
I believe in the smell of fresh laundry.
Comments
Christen
State College, Pa
Aug 02, 2011
I remember hearing that essay at school when you shared it with the whole class. I remember I could sense the nervousness building up in you. But as one of your best friends, you know it. You did a heck of a job! I’m so proud of you I’m friends with a famous person for a couple days!
Christen C.
State College, Pa
Nov 05, 2011
With your soothing words, you can make words heart-warming. I love how you always enjoy life even when there’s nothing to enjoy. You make me have a better day everyday. You understand me like no other person does. That’s why you’re my best friend. I couldn’t ask for a better one. Because your perfection in my dictionary. I love your story.
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