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 have shared more of the responsibility 
carried by my husband.

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 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 relationship 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. 

I hope you all have a blessed day.


Written by Erma Bombeck, after she found she was dying from cancer.