To live life over again

Festivals for twins and triplets and quadruplets have been held in the US, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia, France and Singapore, but for the first time it will be held here tonight, February 21, at Clam Shell 2 in Intramuros.

As of this writing , 140 sets of twins and triples have registered to participate in the whole-day festival. Among them are the Nuguid twins, Arnel and Romeo Salud Nuguid – both qualified pediatricians. The twin son and daughter of Dr. Rebecca B. Singson, will be present as will their mother, who will be speaking on the topic, "Raising of Twins," at 9 o’clock. Dr. Singson, a practising OB-gyn, manages fertility for those who are having difficulty in child-bearing.

Natalie Palanca is the driving force behind "Festival of Twins." She has twin granddaughters, aged 8, who live in California.

The fest is supported by Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, Inc., City of Manila, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Council for the Welfare of Children. Interested parties may call 421-9641 and 422-8877.

Being circulated, and passed around by e-mail, is a reflective piece on how one could have lived a more rewarding life. This is by Erma Bombeck, a well-known American writer, who wrote it after she learned that she was dying of cancer. The person who e-mailed it to me, Sabsy Palanca, wrote it would be good to send the piece to five persons who might feel lifted by Emma’s thoughts. Instead of writing five friends, I choose to reach my readers by printing it in my column today. May you feel inspired as you read on.

If I had my life to live over – by Erma Bombeck

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.

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.

Let’s think about what God has blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.

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