Erma's Angel

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Editor’s Note:  This article was written by Erma Bombeck at learning of her terminal cancer.  It contains some good advice for all of us.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet were stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten 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 sculptured 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 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 realizing 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 for dinner."

There would be more "I love you’s" and more "I’m sorry’s" but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute – look back at it and really see it – live it – and never give it back.

– Selected, August 2001 –