If I Had My Life to Live Over by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out that she was dying from cancer)

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 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 my 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 yous" and more "I'm sorrys."

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 dong what.  Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Points to Ponder About Yourself

* There are at least two people in the world that you would die for.
 
* At least 15 people in the world love you in some way.
 
* The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
 
* A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone even if they don't like you.
 
* Every night SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
 
* You mean the world to someone.
 
* You are special and unique.
 
* Someone whom you don't even know exists loves you
 
 * When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
 
* When you think the world has turned its back on you, take nother look.
 
* Always remember the compliments you received, forget about the rude remarks.

A Short

The Cat With The Cane

    In the street they called him, You know, Man -- the cat with the cane; but his name was actually James.  Always knew who it was because the tap, tap, tap of his cane announced him.  He didn't need the cane, he just liked it so it became  part of his persona.

    On a windy and clear day in April, the folk saw the cane, but no Cat...  "Hey, where's the cat who always carries that cane?" questioned someone on the stoop when he spied the cane leaning against the brownstone.  "I have never seen that cat without it, so something must be up."

    Pretty soon, a dozen or so people had congregated around the cane and were wondering what they should do.  Some wanted to just wait and see, figuring that James had probably lain the cane against the building and had just forgotten it.  Others wanted to start a search for him, and the remainder wanted to call the police.

    All of a sudden, the cane began a little dance and started tapping away.  Before the crowd could properly react to this phenomenon, James stepped sideways from within the cane.  You see, rather than a cool cat with a cane, the fact of the matter is that it was a cool cane with a cat; you dig?