I thought of this when a patient of mine wondered aloud about how many of us on our death beds would wish we had spent more time killing weeds. This was while she was being treated for back pain after spending the weekend making her yard look beautiful. Isn't it amazing how often our culture chooses beauty over comfort?
Then again, maybe I'm just rationalizing the state of my lawn and hoping my neighbors forgive my obvious lack of passion for green carpet.
I’d Kill More Dandelions
Nick Matheson, Age 35
If I had my life to live over,
I'd try to make fewer errors next time.
I would stress out. I would stiffen up.
I would be more sober than I have on this trip.
I would be more orderly. I would be neater.
I would take fewer chances, I would stay home more.
I would climb fewer mountains, swim fewer rivers, and watch fewer sunsets.
I would burn less gasoline. I would eat less ice cream and more broccoli.
I would have fewer actual troubles and more imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who throws caution to the wind and hopes it won’t blow back in my face.
Oh, I have had my moments when I thought I had it all figured out.
Everything seemed just right.
Risk appeared to have its reward
and truth was more certain than reality.
But if I had to do it again, I would forget now and live every day in the far off future, ready for any eventuality.
You see, I got kicked out of Boy Scouts and have never been prepared.
If I had to do it over again, I would stay home and do more yard work.
I'd watch more TV and read fewer books.
I’d spend less time worrying about my kids and more time worrying about the neighbors.
If I had my life to live over, I would start weeding earlier in the spring and keep mowing way later in the fall.
I would make sure the grass was greener on my side of the fence.
I would never miss a day of work. I would make more money and live in a bigger house. I would be fully insured.
I would avoid merry-go-rounds, but would run on treadmills.
I'd kill more dandelions.
