I used to read a lot of Erma Bombeck books when I was younger. I found her writings funny and so real. It was a surprise then to get something she wrote in my e-mail inbox sent to me by a family friend. It was about the things we spend our time on. The e-mail says Erma wrote the piece, after finding out she had cancer:
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 new clothes and not worried
about 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 realised 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 we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally,
physically, emotionally.”
Not so funny but real nonetheless. It’s always our relationships that matter. =)
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