When I was little, I wanted to be a pirate and find treasure. My mom was not happy to find detritus lining my pockets. When she queried, I shrugged and told her about finding treasure.

“Treasure is not about what you find. It’s about the people around you. Treasure is about good friends and people who love you.”

From that day forward, I strived to find the good in people and keep them around. As an adult, I was willing to open myself up and see the good in people, which often led to my heart being quickly trounced upon. After such ongoing bad luck, I turned away from seeking treasure and built my solo life into a safe and comfortable refuge.

One day, I spotted something glistening in the sun. Well, maybe not in the sun, but a profile on the computer screen from a dating website. I bravely initiated contact. After brief exchanges, I realized that there was a jewel to be had. As we built our relationship, I was convinced.

I had found the most precious jewel, and she is mine to treasure always.