Joan.S.

Posted 14 Years Ago

If I Had My Life To Live Over

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 rose sculpted
pink candle 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 have never 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.

(Erma Bombeck)