Granddad's Aftershave

Back in the 70s, my Nan and Grandad lived in a two bedroomed flat, in St Helens. We, my parents, brother, sister and me spent a lot of time there, when I was little. Well, that's where most of my happier memories are.

Anyway, my Nan's bathroom was bright and cheerful, as far as bathrooms go. It was small, but it had the usual stuff, a bath, toilet and sink, and all the things needed for washing, etc. On the window sill, was aftershave and hair stuff that was my Granddad's.

Some years later, 9th April 1986, Grandad died in the early hours of that morning. Later that same day, I was hit by a car outside school (I was going over to the park to see a fight between two girls from my form). I was just 13 years old. I may as well tell you, that fight never happened. My accident stopped it. When I was fully recovered from the accident, my dad told me that my Granddad, to keep me alive, gave me his last breath. I don't know, but I like to think he did.

A few years ago, before I moved to where I am now, I was sitting in my friend's house, as I only lived next door but one to him, it was easy, I got to thinking about Nan's bathroom, and how it used to smell in there, and Granddad's aftershave, when I smelled it for real. It just came to me, the smell of Old Spice. I took a good sniff of it before it went. I know it was him. After many years, he came to make sure I was OK.

I later told my mum, and she wasn't surprised, but agreed with me, and began telling me of her and my sister's experiences with Granddad's spirit. I can't tell, as I don't really speak to either one much, now.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to reading your comments on this.