Death and Dying

Death has been on my mind of much lately. Parents of two close friends passed away last week. Two of my closest friends are lurking in the wings. Another is winning the battle and two have already won. I'm so grateful for my faith and strong belief that heaven will be way better than earth, however I can't stop thinking about it.
I'm been following Patti Digh's blog, 37 Days with joy. I'll let you read the reason for the title yourself. I've been trying not to buy so many books lately, but broke down and actually drove to Barnes and Noble to buy her book: because I know I'll love it.
After all that energy spent, they didn't have it. Bless Amazon - of, course they do!

Anyway back to today, I was walking home from church this morning thinking about my heroes, Cath Phillips is a living one, and Erma Bombeck is a heavenly one.

Then I had to check my email, just one more time, before doing what I really should be doing. There was a forward from a long-lost friend in AZ, recently found through Google, Bless the internet, once again. I'm really quite over most forwards, as is Davi, but it didn't have a subject, and I was curious. I'm glad I opened it, and instead of forwarding it to all of you I'm putting it here.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out 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
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 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 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.

You can find more of her poignant humor here:
erma

I do cherish all of you!