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 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 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 shared more of the

responsibility carried by

my partner.

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 and

realized that the wonderment

growing inside me was the only

chance in life to assist 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�...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.