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 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 realizing
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"
and 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.
~~
In honor of women's history month
and in memory of Erma Bombeck
who lost her fight with cancer.
