If I Can Start Over Again...

-by Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when i was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if i werent 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 has stained or the sofas are 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 sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would have never bought anything just because it was practical,wouldnt show soil,or was guarenteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, i would have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me wass 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 the dinner``

There would have been more `I LOVE U`s than `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...