IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

> > > > Note: Erma Bombeck needed an organ transplant,
> >  and  even though she could have been moved to the head of the waiting
> > list, due to her prominence and wealth, she refused to do such, and
> > subsequently, died from organ failure.

> > > >  IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck


> > > >  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 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"..
> >  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 as spiritually.
> > Life is too short to let it pass you by.
> > We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.
> >  I hope you all have a blessed day.
         > >                                 * .(\ *** /) * . *
     > >                               .   * (\ (_) / ) *
          > >                                  . (_/ ll \_) . * .
> >                               .* .   /___\
> >                                       * .. *
> >  In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.  Here is an
> >  angel sent to watch over you...  Pass this on to the people you want
> > watched
> >  over.... 
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