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 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 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
realizing 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 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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