My Life, Today

I found this poem entitled, "If I had my Life to Live Over," written by Erma Bombeck. She wrote this after she found out she was dying of cancer. I would like to modify it a little to write it in the present tense, as how I would like to apply to my own life.

My Life, Today

I will go to bed when I am sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for one day.

I will burn the nice candles before they melt in the attic.

I will talk less and listen more.

I will invite friends over to dinner even if the carpet is stained or the sofa is faded.

I will eat popcorn in the 'good' living room and worry much less about the mess it will make.

I will spend more time with my grandmother, even though she may not know I am there.

I will share more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I will insist the car windows NOT be rolled up on a summer day just because my hair has just been fixed.

I will sit on the lawn, even if i get grass stains.

I will cry and laugh less while watching television and more while watching life.

I won't buy anything just because it is practical, won't show soil, or is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

I will use the crystal and the silver more often than just on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I will cherish every moment and realize that the amazement growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kid(s) kiss me impetuously, I will never say, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There will be more "I love you's," and more "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, I will seize every minute...look at it and really see it... See it, live it, and never give it back.