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

[Karen Gallagher]

I think that this is something we all need to remember. We sometimes forget what is important in our lives and need to be reminded that life is too short to sweat the small things.



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.

[Brenda S., aka, Sailor Moon]

Thank you and Amen

[Kelly **gunnerJ's mom**]

Don't you just love Erma Bombeck? I know i don't want to have all those regrets about, i wish i had spent more time with my kids doing things. my oldest is now 18 and even though i wish he were 5 again,((where do the years go)) i don't regret all the special times and family vacations wev'e shared. he'll be leaving for boot camp in a few months and he'll have his own life. Thanks for the quote, karen, it's a good one!!!

[CCR]

I tell people who come to my house - don't Judge us by the clutter. I keep floors clean and kitchens and bathroom clean and that's it.
My mother can't understand why I don't keep my house spotless like hers- she made me clean the baseboards with a toothbrush. Maybe its because of that - that I don't do it.

But I loved all the Boy Scout meetings and planning the activities, volunteering at elementary school so I could be there with him, going to practice/games of baseball, basketball, football and track and field. The talent shows, the outdoor stuff. The movies, the board games, all were more important than housework! I don't regret not being the perfect housekeeper.
I do have one regret, that I didn't listen more to my grandpa and grandma's stories since history means so much to me now.

[Lori]

I think the bottom line, is life is short and live everyday and yes, enjoy those little things.. It's not what you acquire it is the time spent with friends and families and even those wonderful people you just get to meet for maybe 2 minutes of your day..The ones that greet you with a smile! Thank you for the post to give us just another reminder at what is truly important.

[Lynn]

Thank you Karen I needed to read this today.
Lynn

[Joslinda]

What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing.

[Cristine Kennedy]

I love this!!

[Sandy C ( Ryan's mom )]

Thank you Karen,
I loved Erma Bombeck, she was a very wise and funny lady. She is right can't sweat the small stuff. MY husband has had a rough month. The company we both work for demoted him and placed some one younger in his potition. He has been working for the Coop ( grocery store ) for 20 years that last 12 as the IT director.
To make this short it all came down to money. Any way Scott my hubby has had time to put things into perspective and he is now at peace with all that has happened.
He is looking for another job, because he knows that at any moment the GM of the Coop could let him go.
He looks at this as a blessing in disquise. He doesn't have the stress of his old position, He has type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertention. Not having to deal with things not working and getting phone calls all the time has lifted a weight off of him.
I am also looking at this as blessing because it brought us closer in our marriage, having all of this happened made us realize that we can get through anything. Because we are not just husband and wife we are each others best friends. So like Erma Bombeck has said chereish the relationships you have with the ones who love you.Don't sweta the small stuff because in the end the small stuff do not matter.

[carols_kitchen]

I must say that Erma Bombeck has always been a favorite author. I laughed and cried with her writings! Thanks for the timely reminder, Karen.

[Francine]

Very timely Karen. I've been struggling with Vertigo and have been so concerned about my absence from work. Im much better this weekend and have started back at work this past Thursday. Thank you so much for the little things in life that are really the big things we are going to miss. God Bless and take care.