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 wa s 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.'
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 wa s 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.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I hope you have a blessed day.
4 comments:
I love you, Big.
Lil
I love this essay....It reminds me to try and slow down in this crazy life!
Thanks for sharing it!
colleen
Hi Kim!
Erma Bombeck is one of my favorite people! I just picked up an old book of hers and I'm reading it..."Aunt Erma's Cope Book-How To Get From Monday To Friday In Twelve days". What a HOOT!!!
Thanks for the great reminder from Erma about really appreciating life!!
Love and hugs!
God Bless!
Love Linda
Thanks for sharing, sis. xoxo
Post a Comment