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

July 27, 2001

Sometimes a little kick in the pants is helpful to keep things in perspective.

Here's such a little kick from Erma.

Rich in MN USA

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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 children and not worried about 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.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each

day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as

spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot

at this and then it's gone. Hope you all have a blessed day.

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If a person with multiple personalities threatens suicide,

is that considered a hostage situation?

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