Giving Thanks for Two Moms

Erma Bombeck was not my mother, but occasionally my mother used Erma’s words to talk to me. When I was a teenager Erma wrote a newspaper column called “At Wit’s End.”  Mom often clipped Erma’s columns and left them lying on my bed where I would be sure and find them. I guess you could say mom and Erma raised me.

I liked Erma too and read most of her books. One of my favorite things she wrote was this….

If I had my life to live over

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 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 children and not worried about 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.

Every Tuesday I give thanks for something and link up with Heavenly Homemakers for Gratituesday. Because Sunday is Mother’s Day I’m giving thanks today for my mom and Erma. They both taught me many valuable lessons about life, marriage and motherhood and I am forever grateful.

Time is running out! Tell me about a mom you know who deserves to be recognized and you might just win her a homemade quilt! Email me at teresa@nanahood.com and send a picture of her if you can. Then come back Thursday, Friday and Saturday to read the entries and vote! Winner announced on Sunday!