In looking back over my collection of quotes I like to collect, I found this gem. I have heard it numerous times, but never tire of it. Whether you have heard it or not I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
“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 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 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 a 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 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 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.”
Erma Bombeck passed away in 1996 from complications following a kidney transplant. She was known for her humor and great quotes. I tried to find out when this was written and most websites said it was after she found out she was dying from kidney disease; which makes it more touching to some I suppose. I came across the website www.snopes.com and it said it was written in 1979, 17 years before she passed. However she was diagnosed at age 20 with kidney disease. Who knows. I have heard slightly different versions of this quote in which there are more lines to it and they are in a different order, but I think you get the idea. Just enjoy life to the fullest and don’t fret about the small stuff.
Sources:
www.snopes.com
