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 muchless 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 burned the pink candle sculpted 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 realizing 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" ... 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.

I would tell all my friends that I need and love and that

my life would be empty without them!

Written by Erma Bombeck in honor of breast cancer awareness

who lost her fight with cancer.