If I had my life to live over

That was the title of Erma Bombeck’s book based on her hugely popular syndicated column. The piece below, which found its way to me as one of those pass-on-to-five-people-and-something-good-will-happen-to-you emails, was written after she found out she had cancer (Bombeck died in 1996). Coming after a discussion on work-related stress (the normal state of being for those of us who work with deadlines) with my colleague Tony Paño, I thought I’d pass this on, not just to five people, but to all of you.

If I had my life to live over...

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.