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 gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into a holding pattern if I wasn'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 realizing 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" and 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.
Written by Erma Bombeck after she was diagnosed with cancer
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