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 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 anyone ever gets 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, emotionally,
>>> as well.
>>>
>>> We have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have
>>> a blessed day.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
>>>
>>> Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
>>>
>>> Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum I
>>> can't go to school looking like this!)
>>>
>>> Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too
>>> short/too tall, too straight/too curly"- but decides she's going out
>>> anyway.
>>>
>>> Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too
>>> short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - but decides she doesn't have
>>> time to fix it, so she's going out anyway.
>>>
>>> Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "clean" and goes out
>>> anyway.
>>>
>>> Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever
>>> she wants to go.
>>>
>>> Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the
>>> people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and
>>> conquers the world.
>>>
>>> Age 70: She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and
>>> ability, goes out and enjoys life.
>>>
>>> Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and
>>> goes out to have fun with the world.
>>>
>>> Send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as
>>> friends. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier.