Women

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.