| From blog photos |
I’m sure I’m only one of many for whom the cherry-almond scent of Jergens lotion brings back memories of their grandmothers. I had the privilege of growing up next door to one of my grandmas and spending huge amounts of time in her home. There are so many memories and as the one year anniversary of her passing draws closer, I find myself thinking of her so very often. She was such a huge part of my life and I miss her dreadfully.
There are so many things that bring back memories of her. This past Friday while browsing in an antique shop, I saw so many items that made me think of Grandma. I actually found myself blinking back tears. But one thing that never fails to bring back fond memories is the scent of Jergens hand lotion. For as long as I knew her, Grandma used Jergens faithfully. She never wanted an automatic dishwasher, and refused to use the one her kids purchased for her later in life, so she was always doing dishes. She also babysat many, many years, changing diapers and wiping runny noses, necessitating much hand washing. While Grandma wasn’t the slightest bit vain, she did take care of her hands. She kept her nails short, used clear polish which she said kept them from cracking and always had a bottle of Jergens handy so she could keep her hands moisturized.
When I was a little girl, my cousin and I often spent the night at Grandma’s and after our baths at night, we’d use Jergens, too. To this day, slipping between clean, Downy-rinsed sheets after a shower and an application of Jergens sends me right back to my childhood.
I wish they still made it in the bottle I remember – white with a black lid – like the one in the ad at the top of this post. It was such a simple, classic design. But we always have to have “new and improved” everything. As I was searching online last night for a picture of the older style bottle, I found this:
This particular bottle was already sold but perhaps one of these days I’ll find another. It’s not the one I remember from my childhood but wouldn’t it look great sitting next to the sink in my kitchen?:
Deanna, your kitchen is gorgeous and the bottle would fit right in with your retro theme.
How fortunate you were to have been close to your grandmother. I know you must miss her terribly.
Cherie: Thank you – I love my kitchen. The rest of this house may not be precisely what I would have designed but since we gutted the kitchen and I got to design it from scratch, it's exactly right.
I do miss Grandma very much but am grateful for the years I had with her. She was 96 and lived a long and healthy life. That's a real blessing.
Jergens also brings back memories of my grandmama. My father was the youngest and I was one of the youngest grandchildren, and since Alzeheimers runs strongly in my family, I only had her in my life as an intact person until my late teens. But I consider myself fortunate to have had her that long, and it is those little things, foods and smells that take me right back. I have her buttermilk pitcher. She made a fresh pitcher of buttermilk, every night, from the little leftover bit from that day. To this day, that pitcher smells like tangy buttermilk!! I can’t stand to drink the stuff, but I make things with it all the time!!
You are so right about tastes and smells bringing a flood of memories. There are so many – line dried sheets, fresh strawberries, Lipton tea…
My mom used Jergens, and it’s my favorite lotion. I use it every day, and also for a hand cream. Can’t beat that cherry almond scent. So comforting! Dove soap and Jergens. Staples in my house!
My mom used it occasionally but it’s the only lotion Grandma used. David’s grandma did, too, so he loves the scent as well.