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 was 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 preganancy, 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.
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