The Bucket List Journey Home: A Story of Hope and Healing

by Amy S. Hobbs

When Amy’s mother created her final bucket list, no one could have guessed how much healing it would bring. Sometimes, the greatest miracles happen in the most unexpected ways, and God shows His faithfulness even as life nears its end.

Amy S. Hobbs was a successful attorney in her home state of Georgia when her mother received a surprising diagnosis: stage IV pancreatic cancer, with six weeks to live. After leaving her job and bringing her mother into her home to start hospice care, the family was left with a simple question: What's the next best step?

While deciding how best to live out the remainder of her life, Amy’s mother came up with a bucket list of all the things she desired to do. With sixty-nine items on her list, Amy’s mother and her family set out on a season of life-giving adventures.

Family and friends rallied together. Forgiveness was extended, and broken relationships restored. And Amy’s family found the courage and strength in Christ to face the inevitable with grace and joy.

This memoir is a sweet reminder of God’s goodness and unconditional love, and it is the perfect gift for anyone facing grief, loss, or terminal illness with their loved ones. Filled with powerful stories and heart-healing metaphors, The Bucket List Journey Home is a testament of God’s tremendous faithfulness in seasons of trial—from the support of Amy’s family and friends to the unwavering faith and courage of a woman who loved Jesus with all her heart.

286 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books just leave you with a loss for words, yet full of emotion, and this is one of those books. The word I’m going to repetitively use is REAL.
A lot of Christian, self reflection books are very “preachy” to me, so I went into this book assuming this would be the same. How a perfect mother/daughter relationship endured a way too soon terminal diagnosis and how they just did everything on their bucket list perfectly together, all while praising the Lord. Nope, I was wrong. The realness of this book is going to take your breath away and squeeze your heart. The author’s authenticity will make you feel you are right along side with her on this journey. And how even through the toughest waters, Jesus is always guiding and holding you along with His purpose.
This book will make you not only appreciate life, but reevaluate it’s importance. I know this book is going to resonate with many. So much so that while this was given to me as an ARC book (advance readers copy) for an honest review, I just purchased a copy to reread and then pass along to others.
Great, REAL, raw. 5 stars.

[Blair Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great tribute to a dying parent, showing not only the dynamics of a mother-and-daughter relationship with its ebbs and flows, but also how we handle the unexpected news of someone we love having a terminal illness. I recently experienced the death of my father in 2021 and have struggled at times in finding comfort in my grief in losing my dad. Reading Amy's book gave me comfort in my grieving process but also comfort with how I cared for my dad in his last days and letting him know how much I loved him. Amy's love and devotion to her mom in her time of need shows how we should all love our loved ones and make memories like she did with her mom. We should all do bucket list journeys with our loved ones like Amy did!

[Velma Hamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I have laughed out loud and cried many times through out this book. It is a must read for anyone struggling with grief. I look forward to sharing this story over and over.

[Shana Rumph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will resonate with anyone that has experienced loss, especially if their loved one passed from cancer. The author does a beautiful job making you feel like you were right beside them on this difficult, yet beautiful journey into heaven. I love how at the beginning of each chapter, there was the perfect scripture chosen to go with the theme of the chapter. This book will make you smile, laugh, cry and hold onto your loved ones a little tighter. It will make you forgive a little sooner. It will give you little glimpses of mental illness and unconditional love. In the end, God is our refuge in times of trouble. He is our redeemer, healer and maker. This book was well with my soul.

[TRRutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and tenderly told. This book showed grace where lots of it was needed and hope abounding through really hard past and present things. Highly recommended!

[Terri Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unabashed sharing of love, joy, pain, life, death, relationship is equal to none in this book! Readers will be encouraged to love like this and will be ashamed that they haven’t done so before now. I’m so thankful for Amy’s heart and honesty!! One word of advice: Don’t start this book until you are ready to complete it! You’ll be hooked from page one until the end!!

[Renna Webrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! What a book!! I couldn’t put it down! I laughed & cried! Such a powerful story of love between a momma& daughter, friends, family, & Jesus. Gods faith, Amy & Pam’s trust & the Lords blessings shine in this book!

[Portia Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not like to read, BUT I could not put this book down! I finished it in one sitting.

This journey that Amy, her mom, and family went on was all about trusting God and letting Him shine through a difficult time in their lives. It’s filled with raw emotions of laughter, anger, and heartaches. I felt like I was right there and traveling along side with them. It showed God’s true power of humbleness, forgiveness, and He’s there every step of the way.

As I have dealt with many deaths of loved ones in the last 10 years, some expected and unexpected. It gave me peace and comfort on how to deal with things. Thank you Amy for sharing this journey with us. I am off to make my bucket list and learning it’s ok to have these emotions with God because He’s there and will show me the way.

[Krissy Gravel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching yet inspiring read, this book enabled me to rethink priorities in the midst of suffering. If you are wondering how you will respond to unimaginable loss, Amy leads the way. This book is not just for those who have received terminal diagnoses; it’s for everyone. All of our lives have end dates. This book reminded me of the power of every single day and inspired me to embrace a positive mindset and look for the Light. He’s there in ANY circumstance.

[Katie Wastlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this ten stars I would do it. This is a story of faith and a daughters journey with her mother who has cancer . It had some humor but mostly raw emotion .Each chapter had a Bible verse that related to the chapter.If her mother was here now she would be in amazement of what an author who daughter turned out to be. I also loved how the book also talked about mental illness as some are so ashamed to admit they have it. This is a must read for 2023 .What an amazing memoir !

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will bring all the feels, complete with tears, laughter, and comfort. Amy paints a vivid picture as she spills her Mom’s heartwarming story. My husband said that he has only observed me reading one other book so quickly from cover to cover and that was 50 Shades of Grey - ha! Amy’s book is completely different, thank goodness! I was so captivated in my reading that I slapped on a headlamp when our power went out to continue learning of Pam’s adventures. You will not want to miss this one. Grab your copy and be sure to pass it along as you complete the book to inspire others!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. The author opens up her heart and bares her soul to the reader of the difficulties and joys of loving her mother through a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The account is raw and honest. You will laugh, and you will cry. You will also very clearly see the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness throughout their journey together. Read and then pass the book along to someone else in need of encouragement.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember Amy sharing parts of this journey on Facebook and I felt so drawn to her writing. She had a way with words and I knew one day she would do something with it! This book not only honors her mother but also shows us all how to LIVE Abundantly until Eternally!
Amy doesn’t shy away from opening the dark secrets of her family and how the story gets messy….very messy. She allows her readers to hold her hand and walk with her through a very emotional journey of healing and redemption.
Readers can easily see for themselves the love and loss experienced in this journey thanks to the pictures all along the pages. We meet some very interesting people, including her father, who now I hope to meet one day in person! We also are ushered into the presence of God throughout the pages and my heart cried out to Him many times as I continued to read.
Amy’s mom and Lance’s dad died on the same day just a couple of hours apart. Amy and I messaged each other many times over the days and weeks that followed each willing each other to hold onto Hope and not let Covid steal anything about this process of grieving. More often than not, she comforted me in my grief more than I probably did for her.
Everyone should read this book and soak in the beautiful blessing of caring for someone who is dying. Amy followed the Lord’s calling and ushered her mother home with dignity. Nana Pam, through this book, is teaching us all to Live Abundantly until Eternally!

[Debbie Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a look into the life of a family facing the dreaded horrible disease of Pancreatic Cancer. What a great read. I could not put it down. The raw emotion Amy is able to share through her words is so encouraging! They faced the monster head on and I so enjoyed being able to learn from their experiences.

[Lisa West]

A must read that you can’t put down!! Amy is an incredible writer and shares their family journey after given a diagnosis of a terminal illness. You will laugh, you will cry and you will be blessed by reading about their incredible faith in Jesus Christ. So inspiring!!

[Jeanette West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed with this reading

I recommend this book to all my family and friends. I was able to relate due to loss of my two sisters suffering with cancer.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and several hours. Make sure you don’t have anything to do because you won’t be able to put this book down! What a beautiful story of healing and forgiveness. Amy does a wonderful job bringing you into her painful but hope-filled journey as she walked the road of cancer and dying but ultimately healing with her mama. With her eyes always on Jesus, she gives you laughs, tears and smiles. A must-read!!

[Carolyn Siepert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story about love, forgiveness and grace between a daughter and her dying mother. Their shared faith in Jesus Christ is comforting and inspiring. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A must read for those of us that have cared for a dying parent.

[Sabrina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The cycle of grief is vicious. However, suffering offered through grief is worth getting to know as she leads you to heal, if you are willing to embrace grief for a dance.”
That statement sums this special book up to me best. To embrace grief while dancing so eloquently through it is exactly what Amy Smith did.
Pam Smith was a dear friend of mine who was very loved by so many in Vidalia - her students, co-workers, & friends. I remember her being very witty, so giving, & really up for anything. She loved my daughter (she even dressed up as the wicked witch for her 3rd Wizard of Oz birthday party).
This book stirred up so many emotions inside of me personally because I have experienced so many similar losses.
I lost my mom to Covid in 2020 all while navigating through a painful divorce. My sister & I dealt with our own mom’s health problems & mental illnesses as a result of trauma that we all faced in 2000 when we lost our dad.
This book is an inside look at Restoration, Reconciliation, & Obedience to God. If someone ever questions that there is a God who seamlessly orchestrates all of our lives - this book will help prove it that there definitely is.
Lastly, my other favorite quote from this wonderful book, “One grieves big because one loves big.” Losing something whether it be a loved one, a marriage, a friendship, or even a job usually hurts so much because it was so good.
This book takes anyone who reads it on a true journey that you will learn from, laugh at, & cry a lot but, be so glad you took it with them.

[Debbie Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pastor’s wife, I expected to find a book of inspiration and hope to share with others who have/or are walking the “end of life journey” beside a loved one. I expected to find stories that would pull on my heart strings, causing crying one minute, and then hilarious tales of crazy adventures that made me break into roaring laughter the next. What I did NOT expect however, was that I would be brought face to face with guilty feelings I’ve carried with me for years over missed opportunities in my past…times I should’ve loved better…should’ve taken the time, but didn’t. Oh, but as I continued to read, I was reminded once again of the beautiful grace of God and His forgiveness! That His mercies are new every morning. He loves me (and my loved one, who is now FULLY loved and held in the arms of Jesus)! This grace beckons me to seize the day, TODAY! I’m so grateful that God used this book as a wake-up call to love to the fullest those who are in my life now. READ THIS BOOK! You may be surprised to find it is much more than you are expecting!

[Amy Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and precious. You will find yourself drawn into the moments of the illness and happiness of the Lord’s faithfulness. Belly laughs were experienced as I read this and then also my tissues were needed too. I felt so involved in the situations as the author has a way of writing that draws you into the moments while they are happening. You get to read about the raw details of being a caretaker and how quickly the roles of a mother daughter relationship can be reversed. This is a story of unconditional love. I encourage you to read this book. It will tug at your heart in several ways. I plan to share my book with a friend.

[Michelle Sinyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of restoration and healing! This book has just the right amount of humor while at the same time tackling the raw and dirty details of being a fulltime caregiver to a dying parent. Amy reveals how her faith brought her through some of her lowest valleys and brought restoration to her relationship with her mother during the months following her diagnosis. She provides a wonderful example of how we should love others unconditionally and shows us what it means to truly live like you are dying. A must read for sure!

[ATS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tribute Amy created for her Mother. Don’t read this without a box of tissues nearby! She shares truths within this book that are difficult, heart breaking and uncomfortable. But above all, the love and provision of God shines through. Read this book if you are scared of death, if you are grieving the loss of a loved one or if you need proof that God exists. Between these pages, you’ll find comfort, love and maybe even a little mischief. I must go now….I have a bucket list to create and start checking off!

[Katie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! The author is a breath of fresh air because she is so real and so vulnerable. This book is so easy to relate to for anyone. For someone that has dealt with losing a loved one and/ or mental illness, this book is so very helpful. I love how through all the ugliness and all the hard she kept her eyes on Jesus. What a lesson for us all. If you're a human being, you should read this book. 😜

[Lisa Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite kind of book; I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t put it down until it was finished! I loved the refreshingly honest, raw expressions of loving someone through dark and difficult days. It made me want to appreciate life more and live it to the fullest! The Bucket List Journey Home is a well-written true story of a mother-daughter relationship that offers hope in the midst of grief. Highly recommend!

[Cheryl Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows the ups and downs of having a loved one going through their last days here on earth. The good, the bad and the ugly of a terminal diagnosis. There are parts of this book that you laugh and other parts you will cry. Amy did a wonderful job in sharing her life with her mom and her bucket list. To be able to see God’s hand in every step of this journey will leave you knowing you need to love and forget and not hold grudges with others. Live life fully and dance like Nana Pam.

[Jaime Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bucket List Journey Home allows us to see peace in the imperfections of life. Isn’t that what we all ultimately crave…peace? The raw honesty of Amy and her Mama’s story makes it so relatable. I found myself slowing my pace as I neared the end of the story simply because I was going to miss Nana Pam too, and I wasn’t ready to let her go. Skillfully written in a way that you immediately immerse yourself into their story of love, grace and all the messiness in between.

[Ginger McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put this book down! It is beautifully written and is a display of honesty that most would not have the courage to reveal. I knew Pam many years ago as a colleague and a teacher to both of my children. I can only imagine how proud she must be of Amy for sharing a story that serves to inspire hope and forgiveness in the midst of the most difficult circumstances and demonstrates God’s amazing grace through the journey.

[Kasey Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book a couple of days ago but wanted to wait until Ms. Pam’s birthday to write my review. This book is phenomenal! It touched me deeply; had me laughing, crying, finding it hard to put down. Amy perfectly honored and memorialized her mother with this bucket list journey that I felt I was part of the whole time I was reading. I strongly recommend!

[Karen Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy is a talented writer. This book is raw, real and gives God all the glory. I was amazed how she connects God and scripture throughout each chapter. You can tell things were at times difficult, but with God's guidance she pushed forward. A great story of healing in her relationship with her mom and family. Everyone should read! I can't wait for her next book.