IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
~ by Erma Bombeck ~

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.

Marilyn's Hideaway ~ Cancer Site ~ Children ~ Computers
Critters ~ Domestic Violence ~ Good Old Days ~ Holidays
Humor ~ Inspirationals ~ Katrina ~ Miscellaneous
Patriotic ~ Poetry ~ Women ~ Norma Marek's Poetry

Made with love February 23, 2004