In one of my favorite movies, there is a quote that makes my heart swell. “I think I’d miss you even if we had never met.” Now, I realize the cheesiness of this line, especially because it is coming from the male escort who is speaking to the woman that paid him for the weekend. However, it makes my heart swell nevertheless. This quote has played a part in me realizing the depth and significance of my word for this year.
My word this year is treasure. When the word first came to me, I was excited thinking about all the fun I would be having treasuring all the good, expected moments of the year. However, three weeks into 2016, the word has already surprised me. It has made me see the mundane moments, the simple nuances of the day with great excitement and expectation. Through the word treasure, I am suddenly being introduced to moments that I think I would miss, and it would have been like I had never lived through them. And even more, I am beginning to see that there have been many moments that I have missed simply because I was letting the normal pass me by.
Our beloved dog, Henry, died over the holidays. It has been a hard season for us. We all miss him very much. My daughter was having an especially hard day and began talk about how she felt. My first reaction was to sit with her and empathize with her. And I did. But then, my word gave me a nudge. I heard the whisper of treasure. And slowly, I began to see the moment with new eyes. I began to treasure how well my girl could express herself and how she could hold pain and grief without guilt or shame. I began to treasure how close I am to her and how she knows I love her and will care for her. I began to treasure that my dog, even though he is no longer with us, gave us ten wonderful years of slobber and muddy paws.
As my year unfolds, I will continue to hold the exciting moments with great honor, but more and more, I see I will be noticing that each moment is worthy of treasure, even the moments I would call hard and unpleasant. And as I allow the mundane to become treasures, I hope I notice each moment, because I don’t want to miss a thing.
To read more from some beautiful women and their words for this year, start with Lindsey and click on through the blog roll.
a life developing 
These photographs are just so gorgeous! Your words are also gorgeous 🙂 I laughed out loud at the opening because I just watched that movie. Hilarious! Dermot Mulroney never looked so good! 😉 Anyway, what a lovely reflection this is. Sorry for the loss of Henry. You’re right – it’s a blessing (treasure) that you experienced such love with him for so long. I’ve certainly learned to view grief as a deep part of love because you can’t grieve what you never loved. Love your writing Staci.
Right? That movie is so funny to me. Yes, you are right- we grieve what we loved. Beautifully put. Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. xx
such a beautiful photo… love her hair and that camera… sweet!! x
Thank you! I love that one too!
Your word/words, your pictures, your girl, treasuring the good and the hard — all beautiful!
Thank you! I loved capturing her blond curls- just like when she was a baby. xx
Staci, thank you for this. I really feel like I get what you’re saying, especially with growing kids. How can we treasure tiny moments that pass by all too quickly? I wish I were better at it! Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the example you set in loving your kids! (And the photos are just too pretty!)
Staci! Thank you for reminding me to treasure. This is so true with growing kids and an ever-changing life. Beautiful post and the photos are too pretty!
Thank you so much. Yes, it true at all stages of life, isn’t it.
Beautiful Stacy, you truly have a gift of writing and photography both. God l am sure is using your gifts to touch peoples lives.
Thank you so much! You reading my post just made my day. Your words are so encouraging to me, thank you! xx
always so wonderfully thoughtful and inspiring my dear. and beautiful pictures to boot. always. xx
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It means a lot to me. xx
You have such a gift of word and photography. Beautiful post. xo
Thank you- that means so much to me. xx
I think that you have always treasured life in a wonderful way. Whether it’s the way you capture it on film, tell stories, braid your babies’ hair, set a magical smelling table. Life is richer with you. I hope your treasure chest is full to bursting this year!