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•      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 children 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 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." 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 God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing

     each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as

     well as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only

     have one shot at this and then it's gone.