I am a big fan of the late American humorist Erma Bombeck.

For those who don’t know her work, she was a syndicated newspaper humor columnist who described suburban home life from 1965 to 1996. She also published 15 books.

In 1992, she had a mastectomy following a battle with breast cancer. She died in 1996 following kidney transplant surgery.

Throughout her struggles, she continued to find humor in life and bring joy to her readers.

Although most of her writings were funny, Bombeck wrote the following serious piece in December 1979. It still holds true as we continue to battle COVID-19 as a nation, state and community.

“If I had my life to live over”

“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 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!!!

“Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.”

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about those who have lost loved ones as a result of COVID-19. If that is you, I offer sincere, heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Knowing how quickly COVID-19 takes its victims, I’m sure families thought they had more time to share memories and life experiences.

If you are someone whose family has either not experienced COVID-19 or has recovered from this disease, perhaps now is a good time to revisit Bombeck’s advice and begin to cherish every moment you have.

With the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays approaching, we are again advised not to gather together and celebrate. Instead, use a video service like FaceTime or Zoom to connect with your loved ones and start making new memories. Cherish every moment.

Ask the family patriarchs to talk about their holidays as children. Ask about their favorite family memories.

This pandemic is temporary - and 2021, hopefully, will be a better year.

In the meantime, make the best of it; stay home and connect with your loved ones over video. Let’s get these COVID-19 numbers down.

Happy holidays.

Debbie Galbraith

editor

East Penn Press

Salisbury Press