I’d pick daisies..

When I was younger, living in the land of ‘I’m a normal teenager, and my Mum is alive,’ each time I walked past the fridge I would notice the yellow piece of card stuck up by a couple of magnets.

It was Mum’s favourite poem, and it first appeared at least 35 years ago.

It didn’t mean all that much to me at the time. I thought it was kinda nice, but they were just words on the fridge. I did, however, read it often.

After Mum died, that simple piece of card took on more meaning. I took it with me everywhere. Each time I moved house, it was always on my fridge.

I often wondered where it had come from, and what Mum felt when she read it.

And then I lost it. For years.

I searched for it everywhere and eventually accepted that it was gone.

Until last month!

I found it stashed away in some old paperwork where it had been hiding for close to 20 years.

When I found it, I cried. It was like connecting with an old friend. I had been trying to remember those words for all of that time.

The poem is a life changer, and goes a little something like this..

I’d pick daisies.. By Nadine Stair (aged 85)

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

I would relax; I would limber up; I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I know of very few things I would take seriously.

I would take more trips. I would be crazier.

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

I would do more walking and looking. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles, and fewer imaginery ones.

You see, I’m one of those people who live life prophylactically and sensibly hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I’d try to have nothing else, just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day.

I’ve been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again I would go places, do things, and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay later in the fall.

I would play hookey more.

I wouldn’t make such good grades, except by accident.

I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.

I’d pick more daisies.

Bravo, Nadine Stair.

What a legacy she has left for us all, as did my Mum.

Nadine Stair was 85 when she wrote that poem. She would now be at least 120 years old.

She knew a thing or two, I’m sure.

I often wonder what my Mum and I would have talked about as two women discussing life. But I will never know.

It saddens me, but instead, I have those conversations with other beautiful humans in my life.

So, go pick more daisies, and talk about the big stuff in life.

Ditch your thermometer, hot water bottle, raincoat, aspirin and parachute.

Ooh, it’s just a little bit exciting to think of the possibilities that await outside restraint, isn’t it?

With love,

Ali x