Erma Bombeck and Mother’s Day

I have often said that Erma Bombeck was my second mother, even though she and I never met. I say that because my mom loved her and often quoted her or shared something with me that Erma had written. Most everything Erma wrote was funny but the few things she shared that were serious have such wisdom in them that you know she was speaking from the heart.

If you are familiar at all with her writings you will recognize what I am about to share. I think it’s very appropriate for Mother’s Day.  If you are a mom and perchance you haven’t read this before after you read it take a few moments to think about what she says. It’s some of the best advice this mom of 5 ever received!

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

by Erma Bombeck 
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 rambling 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 sculped 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, realising 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” and more “I’m sorry’s”

. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . . look at it and really see it . . . and never give it back.” 

 

Linking up today at http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/2013/05/tgif-link-party-2.html

Related posts:

  1. Erma Bombeck and The Art of Saying Nothing
  2. Personal Heroes – Erma Bombeck
  3. Giving Thanks for Two Moms
  4. Erma’s Wet Oatmeal Kisses and Thoughts on Mother’s Day

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9 Comments

  2. Erma was also one of my absolute favorites!Thanks for sharing! P.S. Loved the ‘baby hair styles!

  3. I too love your pink blog, my favorite color, next to teal. I wanted to thank you for stopping by Oh My Heartsie Weekend Collective Linky this week. Hope you have enjoyed your day! Karren

  8. I have read this before and love it. Every time I read it, it fills be with a bit of sadness and worry that I may day live these words. But most of all it fills be with hope because I can still do all of those things and erase each regret before it happens. And that’s what I strive to do!

    Thanks for sharing and happy Mother’s Day to you from a UK reader 🙂

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