Cherish
from Wiktionary: From Middle English charish, cherishen (“to have affection for, hold dear, treat kindly; to esteem, respect; to cherish; to take care of; to greet; to entertain, treat hospitably; to cheer; to encourage, incite”)
Cherish isn't a word I hear in my everyday life, but when it came to me it just had so much resonance with me. What does it mean to be cherished, to hold someone so dear? How does it feel for the one giving the affection or to the one receiving and feeling the esteem and respect? Does this just mean something on a person to person feeling or can it be for a non-animate object too? Is cherish just another word for love?
I cherish this one and only grandson. I hold him dear in my heart. A few days ago we baked an apple pie together. Now I didn't cherish the pie, but the memories of my mother baking apple pies is a cherished memory. The pie was delicious too, but not cherished.
So I think we can have cherished memories too. Memories that we hold close and dear to our heart.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this word.
What feelings does cherish bring to mind?
I hope each and everyone of you feels cherished by at least one person.
