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" ...
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.

~~ In honor of women's history month and
in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.