If I Had My Life To Live Over...

[Friend2U]

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. 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.

[Dejibo]

I served my mother dinner once on the "good dishes" she almost fainted! I told her I have seen those things for better than 40 years sitting pretty in that cabinet. The pope hasnt asked to visit, and Pres. Bush was busy, so...we are going to eat like royalty. She ate carefully to not scratch the plate, but as the meal wore on, and the conversation flowed, she dug in there. She hasnt used them since, but at least we can both say we once ate off the good stuff.

[Friend2U]

One thing I have done right that I've never regretted... We have two good sets of china, one set from each set of parents for out wedding. And ever since the kids were little, they got to pick which good dishes we used for their birthday dinner. All those years...not a single plate got broke. We never used them for anyone else... just the family on the kids birthday. They always got to pick the food for their dinner. No matter how tired I was, I always made everything they requested.

I'm not bragging, cause I did so many things wrong....but this is one I think I got right.

used to feel guilty that I never had a big b-day party for all their friends, not once, always only family. But now, I don't regret that anymore. I think family was the most important for them on their special day.

ANyone else want to share the things you got right??? Thanks!

[bluenurse]

Well, I think I got this right. I could step over a load of laundry to read a book, never worried about the housework, when my kids were growing up. I lived in a virtual pig sty, but I did everything with my kids. I don't regret a minute of it. I spent so much time with my kids and being den mother, soccer mom, etc. (they played so many sports I felt like I lived in a locker room, with my 3 boys and their friends always hanging out).

Now my house is spotless, decorated just like I want it, and nobody sees it but me. I would like to return to the carefree pig sty days. Not gonna happen!!! Can't go back!! I'm sure I got lots of things wrong, but this one time slob is happy about the past!

[kicker]

Kids remember the fun times, doubt they notice if house is perfect (they know the cost of "fun" and positive time it takes) or not. I was lucky enough to tutor sick (mental and physical stuff) kids and remember the look in one 16 year old's eyes when because of a problem he had to go and I threw his math book on the ground asking "what's more important, you or the book?". Math was there the next day to do. Because (I think and they're capable of it), I tell my own kids report cards are just one person's opinion and just a piece of paper. So they bring home A's and some B's because they choose to. (and they are smart also). Their friend's mom offers $500 an A to her daughter, she's capable of some, but will not be bought so out rightly, hasn't happened yet.

[Kitty]

I hope I did most things right. I think I did. My kids had to sort of grow up quickly because of circumstances beyond their control but I think it's helped them become the wonderful young adults they are today. We're very close. Knock on wood but I've never had one behavorial problem with either of them. Again, I'm sure it was the circumstances they had to deal with at such a young age. Plus, my oldest fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Been doing it for almost six years now. They didn't have a "privileged" lifestyle while growing up but the material things don't buy love or happiness. They never went without and never knew what it was like to be hungry. They were/are loved and knew/know it. :winky:

[SallyC]

If I had my life to live over, I would probably make the same stupid mistakes and also do the same great things I did.. It was Gods plan for me..:cool: :D

[sabimax]

LOVE this thread, thanks for sharing the first post.. and thanks all for sharing what you did right....good tips...

hugssss,sarah

[braingonebad]

I told my kids *If you're not doing anything wrong, you're not doing anything.* We all make mistakes.
I also told them *If you can't get along, get away.*

I wonder if I was strict enough with them, and regret that I was not patient enough. But I did what I thought was right, the best I knew how, at the time. Are they perfect? Nope. And neither am I. They're okay so far.

I can say I don't regret any of the pets I've had or the friends I've known or the places I've been. I don't regret being hurt, being mad, or being alone. So I guess I did some things right.

I regret not doing some things a lot more than the things I did do.

[BBS1951]

Ok, me me me! Can I have a turn?

What I did right: I did a terrific job as a mother.

What I did wrong: I let friendships slip away and did not work hard to maintain them.

[Friend2U]

I have always stayed true to my values. I have never regretted that. I have never let other influence my actions, not even when I was a teenager. God is the one who has given me the strength I need to live the way my Momma raised me. :)