I used to enjoy reading Erma Bombeck’s newspaper articles and her books. She had a way of making me laugh and at the same time, helping me see the good along with the silly in family life. This list that has been passed around on the internet for years popped up again the other day. So, I’m sharing it with you. What might you do differently if you could start over?
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 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 relationships we have with those who do love us.
There’s a lot of wisdom in that list. I am glad I was always blessed to be able to take time for my grandchildren when they were young for that magical grandparent and grandchild time. Maybe I could have made more time for more memories too. They grew up so quickly. At the same time I am glad I have been able to write so many stories to share with you readers. I have always wanted to embrace all life’s gifts, but sometimes I’ve had to make choices. Not sure I’ve always made the best ones, but I do try to not sweat the small stuff. I think that has been especially important in this odd year of COVID19.
Which ones of these touch you the most?
For me, I wish I had gotten my father to tell me more of his stories about when he was young.