If I Had My Life to Live Over

	This year
	All years

by Erma Bombeck
taken from one of her last editorials before she died young of a kidney disease

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 shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

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 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 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.