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Dialogues About Death | E9: What’s on YOUR Bucket List
What’s on YOUR Bucket List? Why Planning for Life and Legacy Matters
Have you ever sat down and thought about your bucket list—the things you want to experience, accomplish, or leave behind before you “kick the bucket”?
In episode 9 of Dialogues About Death, Chris Miller, owner of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory, dives into this concept—not just from a “dream list” perspective, but also from a practical and legacy-driven angle.
From life goals to end-of-life planning, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too early (or too late!) to start making meaningful plans.
Two Types of Bucket Lists: Dreams & Planning
Chris shares that bucket lists come in two forms:
🎯 1. The “Dream Big” Bucket List
- ✔️ Traveling the world
- ✔️ Writing a book
- ✔️ Learning a new skill or hobby
- ✔️ Going on an adventure (skydiving, anyone?)
- ✔️ Leaving a lasting impact through charity or mission work
📝 2. The “Planning for the Future” Bucket List
- ✔️ Setting up a will or estate plan
- ✔️ Pre-planning funeral arrangements
- ✔️ Securing life insurance
- ✔️ Discussing final wishes with loved ones
- ✔️ Ensuring your legacy is honored
💡 “Your bucket list should include fun, exciting things, but also the practical things that bring peace of mind—not just for you, but for your family.”
Why a Bucket List Should Be Flexible
Life is unpredictable. What you want today might change over time due to circumstances, relationships, or personal growth.
💡 “When my wife Rhonda was alive, we had dreams of traveling to certain places. After she passed, I had to rethink those dreams. The destinations changed, but the goal—exploring the world—remained.”
Takeaway: It’s okay to adjust your bucket list as life evolves. What matters is that you’re still actively working toward experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Lessons from Those Who’ve Passed
Through years of serving grieving families, Chris has seen firsthand what people value most at the end of their lives.
Common Themes in Final Wishes:
- 🌟 Leaving a lasting legacy—through family, community service, or philanthropy
- 🌟 Making sure loved ones are taken care of financially and emotionally
- 🌟 Having no regrets about time wasted or experiences missed
- 🌟 Ensuring their story and impact are remembered
💡 “I often hear families say, ‘I wish they had taken more time to enjoy life’ or ‘They always talked about doing this, but never got the chance.’ That’s why it’s so important to act now.”
A Real-Life Lesson in Living Without Regrets
Chris shares a powerful personal story about his father:
💡 “My parents finally retired and went on an RV trip. My dad, who loved fishing, was out on the water one day, and the next, he was whitewater rafting. That day, he turned to my mom and said, ‘We should have done this years ago.’ Minutes later, he was thrown from the raft and passed away.”
His father’s regret? Not retiring earlier and enjoying life sooner.
Takeaway:
- 👉 Don’t wait until “someday” to start living your dreams.
- 👉 Make time NOW for experiences and people that matter.
- 👉 Prioritize joy, adventure, and connection while you still can.
Making Amends: The Emotional Bucket List
Not all bucket list items are about places or experiences—some are about healing relationships.
Chris encourages people to:
- ✔️ Make peace with family members. Holding grudges isn’t worth it.
- ✔️ Say what needs to be said. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
- ✔️ Spend quality time together. Distance and busy schedules shouldn’t stop meaningful connections.
💡 “Death brings people together, but it can also tear families apart. One of the greatest regrets I see is people not making amends while they had the chance.”
Takeaway: Don’t let pride, time, or distance stop you from repairing relationships that matter.
A Unique Way to Check Off a Bucket List Item
💬 One of our live viewers, Alex, shared a touching story:
“My sister and I were blessed to fulfill one of my dad’s bucket list wishes by bringing part of his cremated remains back to his home country of Ecuador. It was something he always wanted, and we were able to honor that for him.”
💡 Legacy matters. Your bucket list doesn’t have to end with you—your loved ones can help carry out your wishes and keep your spirit alive.
Cultural & Spiritual Bucket List Goals
For many, faith and culture shape what’s important in life—and in their bucket list.
Chris shared that his personal faith has led him to international mission work, where he helps others while also fulfilling his love of travel.
💡 “I’ve done mission work in Israel, Thailand, and Cambodia. Helping others while exploring new cultures is a two-for-one bucket list win!”
Takeaway: 👉 If faith is important to you, consider how your bucket list can reflect your values, service, and purpose.
How to Plan for Your Legacy
One of the biggest gifts you can give your family is pre-planning—so they don’t have to make difficult decisions in a time of grief.
💡 “It’s heartbreaking when families don’t know what their loved one would have wanted. Pre-planning removes that burden.”
✅ Why Pre-Planning Matters:
- ✔️ Locks in today’s prices (funeral costs double every 10 years!)
- ✔️ Prevents financial strain on family
- ✔️ Ensures your final wishes are honored
- ✔️ Removes guesswork & stress for loved ones
💡 “If you take care of the practical things now, you can focus on living out your dreams—without worry!”
Join a Free Lunch & Learn on End-of-Life Planning
Thomas Miller Mortuary offers FREE community “Lunch & Learn” events, where you can:
- 🍽️ Enjoy a meal
- 💬 Learn about pre-planning options
- 🤝 Connect with others in a supportive, relaxed environment
📅 Upcoming Lunch & Learn Event:
- 📍 Rodrigo’s, Corona, CA
- 🗓️ Thursday, April 18th at 11 AM
💡 “We want to educate people—not sell them. Planning ahead is a gift, and we want to make it as easy as possible.”
Final Thoughts: What’s on YOUR Bucket List?
Your bucket list should include:
- 🎯 Dreams you want to fulfill
- 📝 Practical plans to protect your family
- 💬 Emotional healing to leave no regrets
💡 “Time is our most precious gift. Don’t wait to live your life—and don’t wait to plan for the future.” – Chris Miller
📌 What’s one thing on YOUR bucket list? Drop it in the comments! 👇
📞 Need help with funeral pre-planning? Call Thomas Miller Mortuary:
- 📍 Corona Chapel: (951) 737-3244