Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Stop and Think

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 life time. 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, and emotionally.

I hope you have a blessed day.

11 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I remember now why I used to be such a fan of hers! I often say something like this under my breath when I hear how much TV (or how many movies) people watch:

Instead of watching people have imaginary lives, wouldn't they rather be living real ones of their own?

Bare said...

Thank you for sharing that-- It's been awhile since I've read it, and it's just so very true-- *hugs*

celtic_girl said...

Yes, we all should take time to enjoy the simple things and not be in such a rush.

Carrie said...

Dammit, you got me tearing up. Thank you for this, I don't think that I ever read it.

HUGS! and much love!

FelineFrisky said...

thanks for the reminder. I forget what the truth really is.

Hugs! D :)

Meow Meow said...

Bunny- Sometimes people feel like watching TV will 'take them away" from their real lives, if even for an hour.

1999- It had been awhile since I read it too, and well with mom's situation--It needed to me reread.

celtic- We all need to be more thankful and less rushed in our own lives.

Pinky- It's scary when you reallly think about how short life is and how we should sieze every moment!

FF- We all forget to stop and smell the roses and just to take a few deep breathes during the day. Why not **try** to find the moments to cherish in each day.
We spend enough time complaining (Gawd knows I Do)

Anonymous said...

Words to live by my friend.

BarnGoddess_01 said...

oh Rebecca!!

this is one of my all time favorites......I was jus thinking of this written by Erma Bombeck the other day.....

when I start to feel myself getting bitchy about a messy house and potential company arriving or the boys shoveling popcorn in their mouths in front of the living room TV...I think about Erma writing this.

Thank you!

Mick & Cathy said...

Don't worry about those who don't like you - them words are so true.

TitanThirteen said...

Those words are very true! We tend to get caught up in silly stuff.

Anonymous said...

Wow all I can say is that you are a great writer! Where can I contact you if I want to hire you?