If I Had My Life To Live Over
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 shared more of the responsibility
carried by my husband.
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 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 yous"...
more "I'm sorrys"....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.
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 shared more of the responsibility
carried by my husband.
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 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 yous"...
more "I'm sorrys"....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.
