I’m a big fan of Erma Bombeck, and one of the most poignant things she ever wrote was “If I Had My Life to Live Over” — a gentle, funny, and quietly heartbreaking meditation on wasted time and missed moments. It’s a reminder that life is short, our children grow up fast, and it’s worth seizing the small moments while we have them.
If I had my life to live over… by Erma Bombeck
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 was 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 been teased and sprayed.
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 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 realised 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” and 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.
About Erma Bombeck
Erma Louise Bombeck was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper column describing suburban home life, syndicated from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s. Her warm, self-deprecating take on family life resonated with millions of parents, and her words still feel just as true today.
Erma famously said:
“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”
“Never have more children than you have car windows.”
Over to you
What’s your take on Erma’s advice? If you had to live your life over, what would you do differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote “If I Had My Life to Live Over”?
The poem is attributed to Erma Bombeck, the much-loved American humorist known for her syndicated newspaper column about family and suburban life.
What is the poem about?
It’s a reflective piece about the small everyday moments we let slip by — worrying too much about mess, appearances, or being “practical” instead of simply being present with the people we love.
Why do parents still connect with this poem today?
Because the pressures it describes — rushing, tidying, worrying about the “right” way to do things — are just as familiar to parents now as they were decades ago. It’s a gentle nudge to slow down and enjoy the chaos of family life.
Can I share this poem with friends and family?
Yes — it’s the kind of piece many parents like to pass along to someone who needs the reminder to seize the moment.
Related articles you might enjoy
- Making Time for What Really Matters as a Parent
- Simple Ways to Be More Present with Your Kids
- Why the Messy, Imperfect Moments Are the Ones We Remember
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