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. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day
Love Erma Bombeck Her book " The Grass is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank" is a favorite . Thanks for the post Glendann
Erma Bombeck was great writer. I loved the 'greener grass' one best as well. Thanks for reminding us, Glenda. I'm gonna order firewood and cleaning the fireplace be damned. I can use a wet vac for that.
I have read all her books also. I read them out loud to hubby who got a big kick out of them. After reading that poem I'm talked out of cleaning my craft room-yay!
Thank you for a reminder. I've read her books years ago - may be its time for a "refresher" course. Love Lara
My Mom and I shared the Erma books, it was really a shock when she died. BTW, she did not have cancer. She raised money for the American Cancer Society. She had a kidney ailment and died from a failed kidney transplant.
Have to say, since dad died suddenly, I have tried to do just that, live every minute! Look at the sky, listen to the kids, enjoy it all. I have to confess to never having heard of the author, but maybe I should look her up.
Erma Bombeck was the quintessential housewife who seemed to toss off the funniest writing I have ever written. I remember when she said, and I paraphrase, I know it's time to iron when my son's baby shirts are on the bottom of the basket and his army shirts are on top. She wrote several books. I would start with 'The Grass is Greener over the Septic Tank', if I were you. Be prepared to laugh out loud.
Yes.E.J. she wrote some of the funniest things I ever read.Pondlady said it all.A good deep down belly laugh.
Very thought-provoking observations, I love her books too. I'm especially thinking on the "invite people over even if the carpet is stained" because that is a stumbling block I am trying to get over, that my house doesn't have to look like it came out of a magazine before I can have anyone visit. Thanks for the list!
