Saturday, March 14, 2009

In Memory of Erma Bombeck ...


In honor of National Women's History Month, and
in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with 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 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,' and 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.

I loved Erma Bombeck, and miss her wit and wisdom. The above words are a priceless legacy she left us, and we would be richly blessed if we aspired to live our lives to the fullest every day ... and tried not to "sweat the small stuff."

8 comments:

RachelD said...

I have a list, and I'm working on it every day.

Today, the house-cleaning will have to take a back seat, because the Grandbaby's coming for the afternoon.

Stacey said...

I just adored Erma too. Thanks for sharing this today!

Susie Mitchell said...

I've read this several times before, Janie. Thanks so much for reminding me.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings, Susie

Loretta said...

Amen! It's never too late to start doing those things. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Loretta p.s. Thursdays post was precious. All those little Easter treasures brought a smile to my face!

Salmagundi said...

I loved Erma, also. She is still here with us with her legacy of wonderful words. Sally

Unknown said...

I loved Erma Bombeck too...thanks for posting this. It would be worth revisiting this often to help keep our priorities straight!

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Erma Bombeck was certainly an original...no replacement for her. She was sooo real - nothing like Martha Stewart LOL!
I cannot think of anyone who comes close to fitting in her shoes.

Bo said...

I loved Erma Bombeck and thought she would have been great to know personally...I've often quoted her sayings...thanks for sharing these memorable quotes! ;-) Bo