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.

 --In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with kidney
disease.

       * (\  ***  /) * . *
     .                            * ( \(_) / ) * Guardian Angel *
    .   . (_/ ll \_) . * .
      .* .  /___\ * .. *

Here is an angel sent to watch over you...Pass this on to the
people you want watched over....