Erma Bombeck

[Debbie]

<center>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 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 children and not
worried about 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, as well as spiritually.
Life is too short to let it pass you by.
We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.
hope you all have a blessed day.</center>

[Ann]

Hi Barbiedeb

Thank you for posting this. I saw it in Reader's Digest years ago and cut it out, but haven't been able to find it. Now I can print it out again and keep it with me. What a wonderful reminder of what life is all about.

[Debbie]

Hi Ann

You are welcome

Many hugs.
Love,
Debbie