Erma Bombeck Talks Women's History

Purple HATS

In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer in 1996, here are some thoughts - for a moment's contemplation.

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 new clothes 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.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, cherish the relationships you have with those who love you. Think about what you do each day to promote yourself - mentally, physically, emotionally.

Share this with all the women you are grateful to have as friends. If you send this to five phenomenal women today - in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month - something phenomenal will happen: you will boost another woman's self esteem.

Comments

[Valerie George]

I have read Erma Bombeck since she became syndicated in the 60's. The article you advertise as her lament of reliving her life was written way before she had cancer. SHE SURVIVED CANCER and the fact that you perpetuate this myth is a disservice to Erma's courage and inspiration to all the women suffering with cancer today, praying for survival. Erma had a genetic kidney disease that required 4-times a day dialysis. When she finally agreed to be put on a donor list, she was gravely ill. Chemo weakened her immune system. The transplant was too late. You want to do a service to this world in Erma's name, then set the record straight. More organ donation would have made a kidney available far sooner, before she was too weak to fight.

[Felipa]

I also remember a poem about wearing a purple hat when you get old(er)and it was funny. Does anyone have a copy or a lead as to where it can be found? It's not the same as the poem "Warning" which is also about getting old and wearing purple.

[Robin Smylie]

Hi There

I am looking for the poem written by Erma about a Purple Hat. An old woman who said something to the effect that she would have worn the purple hat and not given a fig about what anyone said. Please can you let me have a copy of that particular poem??? It was also very funny..

Regards
Robin (South Africa)

[Yvonne DiVita]

Gina, much thanks for the note on Erma's SURVIVOR status! That is important. I don't remember ever seeing that - only the mention of her cancer. I admit, I have not read her complete biography - so, that was my bad. Thanks for the correction.

[Gina]

Erma Bombeck was a cancer SURVIVOR. She died of complications from her kidney transplant.
You can view her biography here:
http://vava.essortment.com/bombeckermacol_rbzi.htm