Cherish

My fifteen year old daughter likes to curl up in my lap for a long hug after a full day at school.  She surprised me tonight by asking me if I cherish her.  We get so used to telling one another that we love them.  Cherish was a word filled with deeper meaning for me tonight.  It has a gentle and caring quality.  It actually means to protect and care for someone lovingly.  It has the sense of keeping one another in our minds and holding them dear.  It is  full of action and intent.  I want to be cherished and grow in cherishing those around me.  Cherish.