IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

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 an d

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 relationships we have with

those who do love us.