IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER:
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 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.
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 sorry's"; .....but mostly,
given another shot at life,
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 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.
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 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.
Erma Bombeck
