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/grandmother
ramble about his/her youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my 
husband/wife.

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 G-d 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.