IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was

stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried

much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the

fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his

youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day

because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted

in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass

stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more

while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth

would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,

wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished

every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was

the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later.

Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous".. more "I'm sorrys"... but

mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every

minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and never give it

back.