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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