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 rambling 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 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 yous" and more "I'm sorrys"

. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, 

I would seize every minute . . . 

look at it and really see it . . . 

and never give it back."" 

Poem from the late and great Erma Bombeck who always made me laugh.  I need to dig out her books and re-read them this summer (feels good to say that - making plans for this summer.)  Hugs