I got the following from an anonymous email encouraging everyone to wear a purple hat and to honor Erma Bombeck’s life. Of course it was the purple hat that caught my eye first.  I’d heard of her, but was not really familiar with her work. But the more I read, the more grateful I felt that someone on the brink of death would take the time to share lessons on how to live a grateful life everyday.

Erma died April 22, 1996.  The best way to show your gratitude for her sharing and to honor her life is to pick one or more of these and apply to your life now!

Erma Bombeck: (written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

1. 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 a day.
2. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
3. I would have talked less and listened more.
4. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
5. I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
6. I would have taken the time to listen to grandfather ramble about his youth.
7. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
8. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had been sprayed or teased.
9. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
10. I would have cried less while watching television and more watching life.
11. I would never have bought anything because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
12. 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.
13. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
14. There would have been more “I love you’s” and More “I’m Sorrys”
15. 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, cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.