If I had my life to live over

Is the title of today's Inspirational message.

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 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 TV – 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 yous”…

more “I’m sorrys”…

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.

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight

with cancer.