Thursday, January 21

Passing the Purple hat to you!

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I don't "do" chain emails as a rule ... but today I have made an exception ... So for all the lovely people that pop in and visit my blog ... this is for you!

In honour of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who wrote this after she found out she was dying from cancer.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
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 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...

20 comments:

georgina said...

wonderful!!!! luv georginaxx

Carmen said...

I've lost count how many times I put people off coming here or plain don't invite people because of my taped up carpet. (I'm hazardous with the hoover!) Thought provoking stuff. Thank you Linda.

Nicks said...

I never tire of reading this poem, thank you for posting it

Chris said...

Thanks for posting this Linda. It makes you think, doesn't it?

Carmen said...

Linda - as for the signs. I am rubbish at reading them. They need to be subtle as a sledgehammer before I even prick up my ears and start noticing them :P It took Devon to point things out to me. I can loan her to you if you like! You are not blaming me if you become a gambling addict you know *g* Mind you - maybe it meant put some money on horse number 8 or something like that ;)

You made me laff with your comments again!

Burnice said...

beautiful and very thought provoking. I think I am doing that sub-conciously this year anyway - except for the beige carpet in the dining room !!!!!!
Burnice x

Nettie said...

soooo true: we waste far too much time worrying about things that do not matter . . certainly not to people who matter.

Christine (All She Crafts) said...

Great message, Linda!

Hugs,
Chris xx

SueC said...

That poem is so true. My Mum has always had a cleaning OCD - she still has sadly and I was brought up in a showhouse and swore my kids would never have to go through what I did - and they've turned out better than me! You only get one chance at life - live it to the full.
Sue x

Julia Dunnit said...

Reallyu great timing this, for me and my family! That Erma, what a gal.
I don't do chain emails either...no matter the subject or the threat, I'll break it. My sister sends them to me to do becasue she's scared. But I'm still here, as I live and breathe!

Daniele said...

how so very true.....I don't clean as much these days too busy looking after my grandson and I've given up cleaning carpets......lifes so sweet hugs from Daniele

Kaz Hall said...

So True!! Puts a perspective on our lifes.....thanks for sharing Linda x

Rosie said...

I NEVER do chain emails either - I bin the lot, its a kind of bullying. Have to admit though that this is rather wonderful and SO true ....

Unknown said...

i've heard this before - probably had it on an e-mail and it does us good to be reminded again - and again and how true it all is. LIVE LIFE!!!

Paula xxx

judith@poppy cottage said...

I've always loved this, thanks for posting it. We rush around too much, and don't stop to make the most of life, Judith x

jordiegirl said...

Definitely one to think about. We all spend too much time thinking about what others have and we don't etc etc, live life to the full - it's too short to worry about trivial stuff.

Joy said...

Thanks for reminding me of Ermas very moving message Linda xx

Lynn Stevens said...

O.k. Linda are you happy now I'm crying. not to make you feel guilty. It is words to live by. I'm off to kiss my son and hubby!

Trish said...

Very true thank you for posting it. Trish:)

kanishk said...

Thanks for posting this Linda. It makes you think, doesn't it?

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