Feb 18, 2009

I Would Have...........by Erma Bombeck

Passing the Purple Hat to You


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 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.

If you don't mind, send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier. Please send this to five phenomenal women today in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month. I f you do, something good will happen--you will boost another woman's self esteem.

Have a great day!

3 comments:

Ranch wife said...

I have read that before but it is timeless. Love it. Thanks for sharing. I love your picture, you are looking more healthy. What does the doctor say?

~M~

Countrygirl said...

I go back next Wed., sure hoping that she releases me for good. I could even go half of that day. Just spoke with 3 of my students - makes me miss them more. Hoping for Wednesday (if there's a cancelation I could get in earlier).

Paula said...

I have read this too - thought provoking! You are looking really good! Hope you are feeling the same!

Blog Archive