I'D PICK MORE DAISIES

Here's a rather special poem - I'd Pick More Daisies - I'd like to share with you. It was written by Nadine Stair, aged 87, shortly before she died:

If I had my life to live over, I'd try to make more mistakes next time.

I would relax. I would limber up.

I would be sillier than I have been this trip.

I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.

I would take more chances.

I would take more trips.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets ...

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I am one of those people who lives sanely and sensibly

hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I have had my moments and if I had to do it all over again,

I'd have more of them.

In fact I'd try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after another,

instead of living so many years ahead each day.

I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere

without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had to do over again, I would go places and do things 

and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over

I would start bare-footed earlier in the spring

and stay that way later in the autumn.

I would play hooky more.

I wouldn't make such good grades except by accident.

I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.

I'd pick more daisies.