I am standing outside the door
I already hear the familiar sounds of family
As I open the door I am greeted by excitement
Soon I see my grandmother, bubbie
Her arms are open wide
A familiar gesture
I step forward and stoop down to be enveloped in a hug
I smell the familiar sweet smell of her
I feel safe in her arms
The embrace is over
We part
After hours of togetherness, it is time to leave
Bubbie grips my hand in a loving grasp
Once again I stoop down to be taken into a hug
This time the embrace is bittersweet
Again I smell her sweet smell
I feel safe in her arms
The embrace is over
We part
I am sitting in the car
I already see Bubbie waving goodbye by the door
Later I will have an itch on my nose
When I scratch my nose, I will be able to smell Bubbie’s sweet smell
That still lingers on my hand