Dearest Erma

I watched Biography Channel the other day and was fascinated by the Fabulous Erma Bombeck. She passed away. The world suffered a great loss, in my opinion. She forged a path for modern women that actually illustrates the perfect woman in Proverbs 31. I salute her today.

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 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 will forever be indebted to her for this piece. Because she wrote it, I was able to sit on the floor and play with my girls when the house was a wreck. I took the time to watch their made-up plays and to sit on their beds and chat after the lights went out. I cared about who their friends were and made sure they brought them to my house and weren't going to their house.

I will forever be grateful that God gave me Erma Bombeck to laugh with and to enjoy. I only wish I had found her sooner.