IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

[Carrie Moon 68826]

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.

[Old Dog 179138]

Wonderful thoughts Carrie, happy that you found them!

[Nicolette Vaughn 294340]

Carrie,

 

Your post really made me stop and think about how precious life is. Sometimes we get caught up in situation or things that are so trivial until we are faced with a life changing event such as illness and/or impending death. Thanks for sharing.

[mrgreen760 37785]

I loved Erma Bombeck, she was so funny and insightful. Here's a couple of things that impacted me recently.

 

Last evening I watched a documentary on the golf channel about Bruce Edwards who caddied for Tom Watson. Bruce succumbed to ALS a couple fo years ago, it was both heart breaking and uplifting at the same time.

 

I'm a zoomer and read in their magazine recently about Michael J Fox's battle with parkinson's disease and how it's affected his career and life. Rather than being bitter and angry he's found a way to cope with this devastating disease.

 

And finally I recall Warren Zevon (Wearwolves of London fame) being on David Lettermen just prior to his death from cancer and Dave asking him if through his disease and journey had he learned anything about life and what really matters. Warren smiled and said yes its this simple "enjoy every sandwich"

 

So enjoy every sandwich......the rest doesn't really matter much!

 

Peace

MG

[Carrie Moon 68826]

mmm.. I love sandwiches..

[Guest C****** K***e]

I love that. I've had more than a few "very scary" moments in life and every time I have an experience like that I am left savoring every single second for a while after.

[Royalfun 55449]

Thanks Carrie for sharing these thoughts. Happiness is so near sometimes that we dont see it...

 

And I love all kinds of sandwiches...

[omehgosh 736]

Very nice read Carrie - thanks for sharing. :smile: