IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - Erma Bombeck - Doc's Ever-Changing Home Pages - Entertaining the World, One Person at a Time ©

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.

Success