LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sunday, February 22, 2009

In Honor of Erma




Yesterday marked the anniversary of Erma Bombeck's birth. Born February 21, 1927, she brought humor to American women (and men) for years through her books and newspaper syndication. Erma Bombeck had kidney disease and died following a kidney transplant in 1996. She left us laughing most of the time. While she was ill, she reflected on her life and gave us these important words:


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 have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.


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 grass stains, and enjoyed it.


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’ and more 'I'm sorry.'


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!!!



I have these words of Erma's on a little plaque, always kept in my desk drawer when I was working:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

15 comments:

Dog_geek said...

What a great, timely reminder. Thanks for a wonderful post!

Carol Murdock said...

Wonderful post Carolyn about a wonerful woman ! Thanks!

Cedar ... said...

Erma,... remembered with love.

Anonymous said...

Well, "if life's a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits" and remember, "the grass is always greener over the septic tank."

When I was a teen, Erma was the only female author on my book shelf. I feel that I own my warped sense of humor to two people, my dad and Erma Bombeck.

Kim said...

Very wise words by a very wise woman. I needed that right about now so thanks for posting it.

Cheryl said...

What a wonderful post......wise words indeed.......such a good reminder of what is important....

Thank you......

Ruth said...

Those are very wise words to live by. I need to print them and refer to them often.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

She was one of the best. She could say --in a few words, which takes me a whole page to try to say!!!! Thanks for a great post.
Hugs,
Betsy

Mary said...

Thank you, Carolyn. I have always admired and loved Erma. I think I've read everything she's written.

Mary

marmee said...

i always read erma growing up and loved how she saw life.
thanks for the tribute. i am sure God told erma thanks for making sure you used up the talent i gave you.

KGMom said...

Perfect.

CountryDreaming said...

I remember reading these words of wisdom long ago ... It was real good seeing them again. Very timely and helpful. Thank you!

Jayne said...

She was one classy lady, Erma was. She is still so very missed today. Thanks for remembering her Carolyn.

Jane said...

These words are so very true!!

Jane

100 Thoughts of Love said...

lovely....