If I Had My Life to Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)

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 have burned the pink candle sculpted like
a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even
if the carpet was stained, or 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 sat on the lawn with my children and
I would have cried and laughed less while watching
television - and more while watching life.

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 you"s.
More "I'm sorry"s.

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.

Stop sweating the small stuff.  Don't worry about
who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have
with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God has blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves
mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

Erma

~ERMA BOMBECK~

She was a survivor in life who whose powerful words still hold true.
If only we can learn to live her words - each word she wrote holds
far more value than all the gold and silver that is in the world.

Pass this beautiful angel on to the people you want watched over....
and share Ermas' story with them about living.

They may just say Thank You for sharing the TRUTH about LIFE!!

Take care!

Irishgrrl

Irishgurrl