The Elephant in the room

ERMA BOMBECK

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.

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.

Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it’s gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

Written when she knew she was dying.....................
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I can remember the first book I read of hers " If life is a bowl of Cherries ".  It was my Mother's and because I was the type of kid that would read anything - I couldn't wait to get my hands on it - and I fell in love with her. I was probably too young to get most of it - it was way before I was a Mother myself most definitely but her style of writing was such that anyone could enjoy her.  She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me think.

Every now and then I take out an old folded up piece of paper from my wallet and I read her words..............the words I've typed above.

Such wise words spoken from the heart of a lady that knew her time here on earth was almost over.

.

AND I realized I have not heeded one word...............

Not one word.

When the kids were little they bought me a candle.  An elephant candle because I used to collect elephants.

" Used " to being the operative word here.  I know longer collect them and yet that candle sits in my home as pristine as the day they bought it for me.  Much like Erma's sculpted rose candle I suppose.

I have no idea why - but I suppose it has something to do with the fact that they bought it for me and once it's burned down, it's gone.

Many years ago we had a flood - and I lost all their childhood mementos - ALL of them - their little outfits - their handprints - christmas decorations they made for me - home made Mother's day gifts - and I still get a pang in my heart when I think of it - it's actually palpable - it's a quick jolt that I can feel - so this elephant candle sort of took on some kind of mystical power - it represents their childhood.

BUT  I don't want my kids going through my things one day - and finding this precious gift - still intact - it was meant to be lit.

Thanks Erma.........................I've packed the candle - but it'll be lit the first time I have the kids over for supper in the new house, in their honor.  The perfect decor for my first dinner.
I do not want to be an old lady with an elephant in the room.

You'll have to excuse the odd sentimental posts for a little while - with this move all kinds of emotions are running rampant in my heart.

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