If I had my life to live over

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 shared more of the responsibility carried
by my husband.

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 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 yous" ... more "I'm
sorrys" ...

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 memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

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