[Paula O]

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she had 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. I'D STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!

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My personal addition to Erma's list is this: Since being diagnosed with cancer, it's been sinking in that I am not to linger in the "Coulda, woulda, shouldas" but rather recognize the big and little changes in my life/growth that I'd like to make, stop putting off things I want to do, then proactively and purposefully make these things happen.

My girls had asked for years to see snow (we live in FL). What fun we had together finally making their dream come true with an adventure in beautiful New Hampshire this past winter! Highlights were being nestled in a charming cabin in the woods cooking dinner over a woodstove with friends, learning to ski upright without breaking my neck (funny how quickly kids get the hang of it unlike me: what a thrill when it "clicked" and I did it!)), making snow men, women, and angels, snow ball fights, the construction of an igloo fort, sledding, and playing in the stuff. I grew up in CT so had seen plenty of snow but it was something my daughters longed for, for years but we didn't take the time to do it. Boy, that was fun to finally make that trip happen! The guys held down the fort at home (they don't care about snow) and us girls sure did make some happy memories together. Same thing on camping: cancer woke me up to delay no longer and it was a blast. I like that "Just do it" Nike quote.
Paula