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