Monday, May 23, 2011

If I Had My Life To Live Over


If I Had My Life To Live Over

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more. 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 hot 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 shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

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 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” and More “I’m sorrys”

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. - 'If I Had My Life To Live Over' was written by the late Erma Bombeck after she discovered she had a terminal illness.

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life" - grab it with gusto and when your time comes to go, you'll have one less regret.

Blessings to all who visit here,
Lynn

13 comments:

  1. What a good lesson for all of us. Erma was one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing her words of wisdom - have a great day -
    Judie

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  2. Truer words never spoken. After seeing all the tornadic destruction and loss of life in Joplin from yesterday, these are words to live by.

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  3. So true -- thank you for sharing.

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  4. Amen amen amen !!! me too!!! me too me too !!!
    We are so much alike !!
    xx, Fern

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  5. I'm here at lunch, and this post really is a good reminder of those things and moments to not take for granted, but to enjoy....

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  6. That is so very true! Lots of love, Debbie

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  7. Makes you stop and think! All so true! Have a good week, I might just light my best candle! xx

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  8. What a great post! We really do get wiser as we get older!

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  9. I love her writings!!!That is why my favorite quote that I have on my blog is by her. All so very true.

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  10. Love the picture in your header. Very serene.

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  11. Perfect reflection that we should all heed. I popped over from Kim's blog to say how happy I am that she will be getting one of your precious puppies. I'm looking forward to reading your archives and catching up.

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  12. Love this Lynn!!
    What great truths...

    Deborah xo

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