I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would have gone into a
holding pattern if I weren't there for a 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.....
and I would have eaten popcorn in the "good" living room
and worried much less about dirt when someone wanted
to light a fire in the fire place.

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 done.
I would have sat in the grass 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 never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed for 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 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 and spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

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

Erma Bombeck was an American author and humorist who died from kidney disease.