If I Had My Life To Live Over


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 on 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
AND NEVER GIVE IT BACK.



Erma Bombeck