IF.......

If I Had My Life to Live Over....

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more,
laugh and cried less while watching television and more while watching life.

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I would have invited friends over for dinner even if the carpet was stained,
the sofa faded and dinner was nothing more than tuna casserole.

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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.

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I would have taken the time to listen to my grandmother ramble about
her youth, hoping one day my granddaughter might do the same.

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I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a fresh
spring day, because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

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I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
storage and I'd allowed my family to use those “decorative towels” in the bathroom.

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I would have played on the lawn with my children, not worrying
about grass stains, nor the laundry that wasn’t being done.

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I would have shared more of the responsibilities carried by
my husband, and hoped he would have done the same for me.

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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.

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I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
or on sale, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

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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.

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When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,

"Later now go get washed up for dinner, or its past your bedtime!"
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I would cherish each and every moment spent with my family,
my children, and my grandchildren, knowing one day could be my last.

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I'd live by the advise of an old friend, "never judge others

by their actions while judging yourself by your intentions."

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There would have been many, many, more

"I love you's".. and just as many, "I'm sorrys"...

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I would have never wasted time, I'd realized time is the

greatest gift of all, a gift that comes your way only once.
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I’d never live my life so my choices, actions,

and reactions hurt no one, including myself.
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I would live my life not only to be human, but humane,
giving as much as I could to the humanity of mankind.
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But mostly, given another shot at life, I would embrace every minute...
look at it and really see it ... live it...and never, never give it back...........

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I found this poem in a box of my Moms. As I read it, it seemed to grab me as if parts of it was written for me. Yes, I have changed a few words and added several lines that I hope I can live by. As it seems very appropriate not only for my upcoming humanitarian trip, but the person I hope I can be for my friends, my family and myself.