If I Had My Life To Live Over

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.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing
     each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

PS ->  If you had your life to live over again, what would you do differently?

Comments

[Stacy]

Like Tim McGraw says, "Live like you were dying."

If I could do it all again? I'd still marry my husband, but I'd finish college first.

[Stace]

You know, I love this piece by Erma. Oddly enough, I am happy with how things turned out, so I don't think I would change anything. Sometimes I wish I were a better housekeeper, but then I think about all the goof off time I spend with the kids - and it works out fine.

[judyh]

I love this, too.

When I hold my grandson, it hits me hardest. I wish there was some way to convey to my daughter that NOTHING is worth more than cuddling up with a baby and smelling that wonderful newborn smell.

I think my dementia suffering mother said it best "I won't live to see him grow up".

It's so good to remember that love goes on forever.