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 living room
and worried much less about the dirt
when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace


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


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.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.
And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves
mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.


Beautiful Women's Month

Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum I can't go to school looking like this!)
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"- but decides she's going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - but decides she doesn't have time to fix it, so she's going out anyway.
Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "clean" and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself &sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn't bother to look Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.


Send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier.