Sunday

Mother's Day

If I Had My Life To Live Over

by Erma Bombeck

The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she had a fatal disease.


If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and 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 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 burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

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 have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

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 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 sorrys" ...

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.


Food for the Soul:

Proverbs 31: 28-31"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble thing, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."



36 comments:

Andrea said...

Love it!

Ashley said...

I'm only 22, but I NEEDED that! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that reminder of what truly is important in life. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! I hope you enjoy a wonderful day with your family.

Overwhelmed! said...

How beautiful! We all need this gentle reminder of what's important in life. Thanks for sharing and Happy Mother's Day to you!

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Valarie Lea said...

I really enjoyed that. The one about that said ...

"When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

That got me, little Logan has been doing this lately, and just the other day I told him, "ok, thats enough now go take your shower." So today as I watched my oldest play her last game of school softball ever, I realize its never enough. Ok, now I am crying.

This growing up thing is not easy.

Anonymous said...

Happy Mothers Day!

Lisa said...

I have learned to use the good dishes everyday. I use the good towels, and special table cloths. What are we saving them for? Special occasions? Everyday that we are on this earth should be celebrated as a special occasion. Saturday night I took my mom and dad to a Bill Gaither concert. It was some of the best five hours I have spent with them in quite a while. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to us all. Today should be celebrated with lots of hugs and kisses.

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful reminder! I need to remember to be patient with my kids and give them all the attention they deserve every single day!!!

The Maid said...

I have learned...

"If I had my life to live over again, I would be TIRED!"

Becky

PS - Mainly because it is exhausting to make all of the dumb mistakes I've made and to try and learn from them. I'm a good mom and I love my kids, but I really hope I am not screwing them up. :)

j said...

Lovely thoughts all.

Jen

marky said...

One of my favorites!
Happy Mother's Day

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day, my friend!

McMommy said...

What a beautiful post! Happy Mother's Day!

Vivian M said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Vivian M said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Tracy DeLuca said...

Happy Mother's Day! Thanks for posting this.... we all need a reminder to slow down sometimes....

polkadot said...

happy mother's day -- you are THAT happy family.

Dawn said...

I've read this before and love it - it's a good "refresher" each time I see it of what I'm so guilty of missing.

Happy Mother's Day, Kristen!

Many blessings,
Dawn

Gerbil said...

And use the good china, too, even for hot dogs and mac-n-cheese.

happy mothers day!

Anonymous said...

I love this...and what a great reminder!

Happy Mother's Day to you!!

Liza on Maui said...

Wise words from a wise mom. Thank you for sharing this.

Happy Mothers Day :)

Unknown said...

Very nice - I like that poem.

Happy Mother's Day!

Karen said...

I love Erma - she's one of my faves. Thanks for sharing that.

Happy Mother's Day!

carrie said...

Erma is totally my hero. Totally.

Anonymous said...

I have read that before and still loved reading it again. Hope you had a great Mother's Day.

Nancy M. said...

Thanks for posting that! It reminds me I need to slow down and cherish every moment.

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's day!

Tara @ Feels Like Home said...

Thanks for the beautiful essay. We spent the weekend reading "The Last Lecture," and it's along the same lines.

Happy mother's day!

Blessings From Above said...

Thank you for that reminder, especially on Mother's Day, of what is really important.

Also, I loved your post from Friday. So sweet!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

I loved that! Thanks for the reminder! So beautiful!

Karelle said...

I have this on my fridge and I read it every morning. It is so inspirational...

Miss Erica said...

Thanks for sharing. You're one of my "can't-miss-it, must-read-it" bloggers. Happy Mother's Day, and God bless!

Melanie said...

I love Erma Bombeck! What a great choice for Mother's Day! Hope your day was great.

Unknown said...

Love it. Love her. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Yey MommyFest. I like meeting all these mom bloggers. :)

ShannonW said...

I love Erma Bombeck...this is one of my favorites.

twin power mommy ♥ said...

you kids are too cute!
LOVE the mothers day pic.

Anonymous said...

I love this. Erma Bombeck has always been one of my favorites -- I remember reading "Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries ..." -- taken from my mom's nightstand -- when I was a kid.

Smart lady.