I used to enjoy reading Erma Bombeck’s newspaper articles and her books. She had a way of making me laugh and at the same time, helping me see the good along with the silly in family life. This list that has been passed around on the internet for years popped up again the other day. So, I’m sharing it with you. What might you do differently if you could start over?
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.’ 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.
There’s a lot of wisdom in that list. I am glad I was always blessed to be able to take time for my grandchildren when they were young for that magical grandparent and grandchild time. Maybe I could have made more time for more memories too. They grew up so quickly. At the same time I am glad I have been able to write so many stories to share with you readers. I have always wanted to embrace all life’s gifts, but sometimes I’ve had to make choices. Not sure I’ve always made the best ones, but I do try to not sweat the small stuff. I think that has been especially important in this odd year of COVID19.
Which ones of these touch you the most?
For me, I wish I had gotten my father to tell me more of his stories about when he was young.
Comments 10
I loved Erma’s books! Read everything I could get my hands on and probably survived raising my four children because of her humor. I’ve just recently discovered your books. Love every one I’ve managed to get my hands on! Keep sharing your talent for great stories.
Author
Thank you, Cindy. I hope you get your hands on more of my books. I do appreciate you reading them. And yes, Erma had a way of making you nod your head and smile at the same time about the perils of parenthood.
Wishing away 9 months…..That I didn’t do but it brought to mind that through all three I didn’t talk to or sing to that miracle within me. No one ever talked about doing that back in “those” days and I never thought about doing it. 😕 If I was able to repeat those years I definitely would.
A beautiful picture of you and your grandchildren??? Or are they your children? You look very young.
Have you been able to get the vaccine?
Have a safe and beautiful weekend. 🙏🏻
Author
Thanks for the compliment, Karen. They are my grandchildren, but the picture was some years ago. The baby is now fifteen. The older girl is an attorney. The middle girl will graduate high school this year. How those years passed so quickly is hard to figure, but I did enjoy and do enjoy being their grandma.
You’re right that nobody ever talked about singing to your baby before he or she was born back in the day. But that baby did hear you talking and maybe singing even if you weren’t exactly directing the words or songs to him or her. There is something to treasure about carrying a baby even if there are plenty of uncomfortable moments as well.
And no, I’ve signed up for the vaccine but so far haven’t received it.
I loved Erma! Her wit and sage advice helped me through my first years of being a young mother. I especially enjoyed watching her when she made appearances on Good Morning America. I’ve read all of her books, (still have several of them), but I think my favorite one is “I Want To Grow Hair, I Want To Grow Up, I Want To Go To Boise”. It’s about children coping with cancer. I can’t pick a favorite quote, because I love them all.
Thanks for sharing, Ann. Have a great weekend. Maybe you’ll be able to spend some time with those growing-fast grandkids. ☺
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Lavon. Erma was someone able to share about life and make us laugh at all those crazy times as a mother. I need to find one of her books and read it again. I remember one I think was titled The Grass Is always Greener over the Septic Tank. Just the title can make a person smile.
I like the one about crying and laughing less watching tv and more watching life, but I have to say, I love them all and I do realise after my cancer diagnosis that I do live life more like this for the past 4 years. The cancer rewired my brain to not take things for granted as much as I used to. I think it may be the only side effect that I am grateful for. Thank you Ann for sharing these quotes.I love reading them every time I run across them.
Author
Glad you enjoyed them, Lisa, and you can certainly relate with Erma’s thinking. I’m so glad you’ve fought off the cancer and have been able to live life to the fullest. I’m so glad we’ve been able to meet a few times over the last few years.
I have to print this out, it’s too good to forget. They all seem pertinent!
I also wanted to say whenever I see you wi th one of your grandchildren, I can’t get over how much their smiles look just like yours. Such happy faces!
Blessings, Carolyn
Author
If I can share my smile with my grandchildren, then that’s good, Carolyn. Thanks for your sweet comment.
And yes, all those things Erma listed are things we can take to heart. None of us knows how much longer we will have with our loved ones. So, it’s good to embrace the good.