Today, someone sent me this piece written by Erma Bombeck after she found out she was terminally ill.  A lot of us have probably seen this before, but I think it's worth looking at again, to remind us of what's important in life.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck 
(written after she found out she was dying of 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 never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been done. 

I would have sat on the lawn and not worried about 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!!! 

I hope you're in a place today where you can smile a little bit at this; I'm not intending this to be something to "cheer you up."  I know I have days when I would not be in the mood to read this and believe that NOTHING can help.  But I've also learned that maybe if nothing can help me today, perhaps it will tomorrow, when I might be more receptive.