Erma Bombeck Still Makes Me Laugh

I first discovered Erma Bombeck in the basement of my parents home when I was just outgrowing kid's books. I was a book-aholic even back then, and was in need of a book fix.

Back in junior high, her books made me laugh because I recognized the exasperation I heard and saw in my own mother. Years later when I was married and had kids of my own, I re-read a couple of those books, plus some of her newer ones, and not only did I still laugh out loud, but I now also "got" the humor from my own personal experiences. Now, in my more (hopefully) more mature years, even though Ms. Bombeck Is gone, I find myself seeing a lot more of her sensitivity and deeper thoughts.

Some of her older books might be getting a bit dated, but the everyday situations and real-life humor will still make you laugh, and often, make you think.

I've included a few favorite quotes in this lens, I dare you not to smile!

(Photo From Wikipedia)

From Her, I Learned How To Channel My "Inner Erma"!

Just like Carol Burnet was my first example of a versatile, talented female actress and comedienne, Erma Bombeck was my first real role model for adult (grown-up not porn-ish) humor. Back then, and to this day, I like to read some of her passages out loud, just because I like the dry wit and understated humor and sarcasm that just brings a spontaneous smile or chuckle.

Nowadays, when I read some of her stuff, I know it's already getting dated and kids may not get the humor of the phone company and actual home phones in a time where most people have their own internet ready cell phone with them All. The. Time.

And when I write, I try to channel a bit of what Erma Bombeck would have observed and how she would have said it. Her humorous writing style influenced my writing for the Feature section of my Junior High paper, and later in other endeavors from High School, College, Work and lately, even Squidoo.

People who write, read a lot, and when people who write find books that make them laugh, they like to step back and observe the style, the set up, the twist and the punch line and see why it made them laugh.

(Photo From Amazon Books)

The Chapter That's Stayed With Me All My Life

When I was reading, "Just Wait Till You Have Children Of Your Own!" in Junior High, the last chapter, "Why Don't You Grow Up?" struck me deeply. I've never been sure why, especially at that young age, but it did. Maybe because it's something kids hear their parents say. I loved the ending. Again, I was learning how to write touching and ironic twists from Erma's books. I thought it'd be neat to read this chapter to my parents at my high school graduation and kept the book for years. I didn't have the chance, so I thought, after I graduate from college, it'll really be appropriate then. But again, when the time came, something would happen instead that kept me from reading it to my parents when I left home.

The book disappeared and when I'd find an old copy at a garage sale, I'd buy it just for that last chapter. I had kids, who all too fast grew up and were on their own, and I never got to read it to them either. Now, instead of the child wanting to read it to the parents. I'm the mother in a home empty of my own two daughters whose mixture of arguing and laughter once filled my ears and heart.

I've grown up and older with this book, this last chapter, "Why Don't You Grow Up?"

(Photo From Amazon Books)

Erma Bombeck died at the age of 69 due to complications from a kidney transplant in 1996. I still haven't read all her books. I always wonder if she had more humorous stories or lessons within her, or if she got her wish, and used up everything she'd been given.

My life has had more smiles and chuckles because of your humor.