My Family Wrote Bucket Lists: Here’s What We Learned About Life & Death by Samantha Harris

Death has become a daily topic in my household. While my 5-year-old embraces the idea of a colorful afterlife, my 7-year-old is a born skeptic. All he understands for certain about death is that one day you are here, the next you are not. It terrifies him and it is hard for my husband and me to help.

One night I decided it was time to change our focus. No more worrying over death; it was time to pursue life. The energy in our household transformed from one of dread to one of ambition as we each brainstormed our own bucket lists.

While writing, I realized that we were going to have to utilize time better; every moment was an opportunity to get closer to our goals. I expressed this to my family and we discussed our lists.

My boys dream of skydiving, going abroad and swimming with sea creatures. I told them it was possible by saving and planning ahead. This is a lesson I have only recently learned. What will my kids accomplish if they think about their future now? How much of their lists will be done in 20 years?

Writing my list made me remember many forgotten dreams. I don’t fear death; I fear life. I have let the reasonable and responsible part of me take over my sense of adventure and wonder. Together we learned our time is limited; we should not spend so much of it in fear nor fail to enjoy it. 

We must value every moment.

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