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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 soft 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 have never 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 children and not have worried about 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 realised that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When the kids kissed me impetuously, I would have never said, ‘Later now go get washed 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. 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 relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let us think about what GOD has blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We have only this one shot at this and then it’s gone. I hope you all have a blessed day.
Erma Bombeck
Written after the author found out she was dying from cancer
