Friday, November 05, 2010

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.

3 comments:

Deb~Paxton Valley Folk Art said...

Thank you for that post Diane, I do miss reading Erma Bombeck so much, what a gift she had with words and what a sense of humor. She was so right, we need to treasure the small things in life, the everyday seemingly unimportant moments that are the fabric of our lives. I'm going to save this post and send it on to my friends and family, thanks so much for sharing it with us. Deb

Delchick41 said...

I just wanted to say that what Erma wrote is right on! Thank you for sharing this. It woke me up. Also, I think that your blog is so cute:)

Cheryl@My Own Snug Fireside

Victoria said...

I, too, want to save and share this post! Thanx for sharing it! Ok if I cut and paste? I don't know how to "link"...