A Gift for Mom

Written by Robin Fuller

Sitting on my nightstand amongst my collection of fragrances is Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent eau de toilet spray. I purchased it nearly 25 years ago as a gift for my mom. It was her favorite perfume and her signature scent. The cobalt blue, black and silver aluminum container with accompanying packaging of the same colors was undeniably identifiable.

I don’t recall how far back my memory goes as to mom wearing Rive Gauche. I do remember, however, the long-lasting notes of bergamot, rose and musk that delighted my senses whenever I was in mom’s presence. When she wasn’t home, I would sneak into her room and spritz just a little of it on my wrists and dab some behind my ear lobes. You didn’t need much more than that to be smelling amazing for the rest of the day and on into the evening.

Mom died almost 25 years ago. I didn’t have a chance to give her the Rive Gauche I had purchased for her. I’ve kept it this long. Every now and then, I treat myself to a spritz of it on my wrists and behind my ear lobes like I did when I was much younger sneaking into her bedroom to do so. When I do, I put my wrist to my nose and allow my soul to inhale the memories of mom.