The last year of my mother's life was spent in a skilled care facility after she suffered a debilitating stroke. I would take her for walks in her wheelchair around a modest garden there. Her favorite spot was near the lavender plants. We'd stop and i'd rub some of the buds on her hands. She seemed to enjoy the fragrance and relax. Now when I pass a lavender plant, I rub the buds between my hands and catch a whiff of her.