Monday, February 16, 2009

Oh my, sigh

To be honest, I really hate forwards. I get so many of them, and most of them are nothing new. They aren't something that I appreciate, for the most part, and usually I just blow them away. In any case, I NEVER forward them on to others. But the other day, I did receive one that caught my eye. I always loved Erma Bombeck. She was probably one of the funniest people ever to grace this planet. I read most of her books, and would laugh so hard that the tears would run down my cheeks. She was a mom, a homemaker, and a wife, and that was what she wrote about. She found the humor in her life and shared it with the rest of us. I think one of the funniest columns she ever wrote was about going to a department store to buy a swim suit, and being in the little dressing room, under those terribly flattering flourescent lights, in knee high nylons! So funny.
She had a more serious side too, and the following was one of those. I apologize if someone has already forwarded it to you, but it is all so true, we all probably need to read it once in a while just as a reminder.
Let's all go out and roll in the grass today! It's spring!

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

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have read ALL of Erma's books. I adored her. So sad she is gone. Thanks for sharing. Life is short, stop and smell the roses!
Connie

mwiesjahn said...

Beautiful and really something to think about.

Gosh, I'm behind on the blog posts!

Love ya,
Megan