“What do you treasure most in life?” This question was casually asked one evening during a get-together with friends. Love and support from family, friends who have been through thick and thin, some special gifts, love notes during the dating days, drawings / notes from kids, good health… were some of the responses that we heard that evening. These are priceless treasures indeed.
I couldn’t share my thought that day, as I was needed in the kitchen for something. If I were to answer that question today, well… family, friends, books, some accomplishments and a very thoughtful gift from a blogging buddy, Sulekha for KG and me, would feature in my list of what I treasure.
But if I delve a bit deeper, my answer would be a bit different. 
I am a sentimental woman and have always been like that. I hold close the moments and memories that touch me or bring me joy. I cherish the moment when I learnt how to rock my baby to sleep or the night when we chatted away to glory with friends or the regular things KG and I do together. All these are not spectacular or something profound but moments like these are stored in my heart as great treasures.
Today, I’d like to share two of my all time favourite treasured moments and memories…
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Some years ago, I was thinking about the troubles that were never ending just like the bus ride back home. So lost I was in complaining to God about my life and my circumstances that I was unaware of the tears that were streaming down my face. When a warm hand touched my hand, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned to look into the compassionate eyes of my co-passenger. Before my brain could process a reaction, the lady said, “I don’t know what’s troubling you. But I want you to know that you’ll get through it. Whatever ‘it’ is!”
Her words were exactly what I needed to hear. Those few simple words comforted me. Her words filled me with optimism and hope. And this memory is something that I treasure the most and is close to my heart.
Conversation Over Coffee
It was 2008, Aaryan was learning Abacus at an institute. Usually, I sat outside his class while he studied inside, because going back home and coming again to pick him after an hour and half was not feasible.
That day, I dropped him at his class and went to the market to do some shopping. Incidentally, that got done in a few minutes. I decided to have coffee in a nearby café. Next to my table sat a man with his coffee. I don’t remember how it started, but we got chatting. We talked about so many things and laughed so much.
Soon, it was time to leave and we just bid goodbye to each other. We didn’t ask for each other’s names or exchanged any personal details for that matter. It was one of the best conversations I had had with a stranger and this is when I don’t talk to strangers as a rule. This is another memory that I cherish a lot.
There are a lot more moments and memories like these, which I love and treasure. There are times when I don’t think about these moments for a long time, but a small hint or another memory brings them right back in the forefront and envelope me in that warm fuzzy feeling.
What do you treasure most in life?
Linking this to the Write Tribe’s Festival of Words
Day 1 – Prompt – Write about a treasure you have…
29 Responses
This simply warms my heart, Shilpa. Such instances are indeed true treasures of life.
Ur post left me with a warm fuzzy feeling!!!
These tiny happy moments really enrich our life, and deserve to be treasured. Very well put, Shilpa.
it’ was so nice of that lady to comfort you.
And, that code talk sounds like some thing to cherish and treasure. I have some treasures like this which I feel happy about too:)
Shilpa, you are too kind to mention me in your treasured moments. I am so glad we met, there are no coincidences in life. Loved your post, bless the strangers who touch our hearts with their thoughtful gestures in our times of need. Thank you for this lovely post , my morning has begun on a positive note.
What lovely memories you shared with us. Indeed your treasure chest must be overflowing with such warm and inspiring moments.
Such heart full stories. Little messages of love for us. Lovely memories & they always give strength to go forward.
Kindness towards strangers is such a rarity these days. Glad you had these wonderful experiences 🙂
Life’s treasure lies in moments. Such a warm, heartfelt post.
Shilpa, both are encounters with strangers. Sometimes, we do connect more with strangers than with people who are with us all the time. Beautiful memories.
Your take on the prompt is so warm and fulfilling. My heart expanded with joy when I read the first instance – it takes a lot to step out of ones comfort zone to comfort a total stranger indeed.
Act of kindness, warm friendly gesture from perfect stranger shine brightly like gems in the treasure trove!
Good read!
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Anagha From Team MocktailMoomies
https://mocktailmommies.blogspot.com
This post was so heart-warming Shilpa. Sometimes seemingly trivial experiences leave behind a warm place in our hearts that we reach out for in our bleak moments. Something like the Patronus charm! Loved reading this!
I loved the memories you shared Shilpa, specially the first one. How kind and compassionate that person must be to understand that something was troubling you. Some strangers do leave a lasting impression. 🙂
Such moments which comes to you when you least expect, total bliss. Truly heartwarming moments. Totally loved them.
Memories is a popular theme for today (treasure) and it makes sense… in our darkest moments, the memories of old is what keeps us going and give us hope.
Lovely anecdotes Shilpa. As always another befitting post from you.
https://natashamusing.com/2017/08/precious-treasure-writetribe-writingbravely/
It’s these little moments that are such a treasure, isn’t it? Beautiful little moments you’ve shared, Shilpa.
I have not had a conversation over coffee with a stranger, but someone did offer me encouragement once. I thought I masked my disappointment well, but apparently not well enough. 🙂 Such moments are indeed treasures.
That’s a lovely memory you have shared with us…Lovely anecdotes Shilpa..Truly an heart-warming post
http://www.simpleindianmom.in/grit-new-quotient-to-success/
When we can truly appreciate the little moments like these, we are blessed – because there are so MANY of them in life. If we only treasure the big or expensive things, it seems we have so little…
Shilpa I would say that these are Divine experiences, the timely assurance and the touch form an unknown lady is truly an answer to your need. The conversation with a stranger again is divine intervention, as it makes one hope and believe in the goodness around. I too have some treasured moments, if I share here it will become one long post itself:)
those are some beautiful anecdotes 🙂
The lady who met you on the bus ride – that anecdote made me all mushy inside. I hope you could sail through those days 🙂
It’s such a lovely and warm memory. People, conversations & memories indeed are a big treasure.
That is a lovely memory shilpa. I had numerous such instances from my Thailand trip. O wasn’t expecting people to be so generous and good and took me by surprise in need!
Lovely. How did I miss this when you first posted it?
What a happy warm post Shilpa. Truly it is the small moments of unexpected people that stand out in our memories as treasures.
I would love to have one such heart-to-heart encounter with a stranger again. After COVID, the interaction has completely stopped. The first one still makes my heart melt.
Such a wonderful treasured memory, Shilpa! Reading your post made me realise I have had similar moments too.. I’m so glad that sometimes strangers come into our lives to leave us with that warm fuzzy feeling later!!