Usually, when people talk about their travel bucket list ideas, it means they hope to accomplish something extraordinary someday—like skydiving, visiting an exotic country, or writing their first novel. It’s about dreams for the future, often distant or unplanned. People often ask, “What is on your travel bucket list?” and dream about adventures far away.
But lately, I discovered another kind of travel bucket list—one born out of hope, faith, and courage. Meet Jack and Mia, a young, faith-driven couple from California, US. They are expecting their first child next month. During Mia’s pregnancy, they received heart-breaking news: their baby, whom they’ve named Jackson, has a rare condition called hydrocephalus, which means there’s excess fluid in his brain. The doctors warned that he might only survive a few hours after birth or perhaps live for several months. Faced with this reality, the couple decided to create their own special bucket list place to travel—one focused on making every moment count with their son.
Jack shared in a recent interview, “Most parents wait until their children are born to start making memories and sharing adventures. But we knew our time might be limited, so we wanted to do everything we could, now, to create beautiful memories with our son.”
Today, Jackson is 32 weeks in Mia’s womb. Despite the uncertain future, Jack and Mia have continued their small but meaningful adventures by setting out on a heartfelt travel bucket list journey. Together they visited the colourful local gardens of San Diego, where they strolled among vibrant flowers and let the gentle breeze carry their prayers for Jackson. They watched the golden sunset at Santa Monica Pier, holding hands as the waves echoed softly in the distance. Their travel bucket list ideas also led them to the fresh mountain air of Yosemite National Park, where every view reminded them of the beauty and fragility of life.
From the lively streets of San Francisco to the historic missions of Santa Barbara, and finally to the golden beaches of Malibu where Jackson could hear the soothing ocean waves, each stop became a cherished memory. Beyond California, they continued to add special chapters to their travel bucket list—walking through New York’s Central Park, exploring Chicago’s Millennium Park, and enjoying Seattle’s peaceful waterfront.
For Jack and Mia, every destination on their bucket list place to travel was not only a location to visit but also a living reminder of love, courage, and the hope they carry for their precious son.
Jackson has “been” to bustling markets, listened to music that’s meaningful to their culture, and shared quiet moments with his parents at their pray with Bible. They’ve also celebrated him with a “Love Shower” — a gathering of friends and family who surrounded them with encouragement, prayers, and hope.
Jack and Mia have shared their journey through a YouTube channel, TV programs, and their Facebook page called Jackson’s Little Adventures. They wrote: “We ask for your blessings and prayers that we have as much time as possible with our precious son. Every day is a gift, and we are determined to cherish each one.” Their story, framed around their emotional travel bucket list, has now touched more than 50,000 followers. Many see it as one of those heartfelt US family stories of faith and hope that remind us of the strength of love in the face of hardship.
Their journey is a remarkable testament to the value of life and the power of faith. They have refused to hide Jackson from the world or let fear overshadow their hope.
Their honesty shows that every life is precious, regardless of circumstances. By sharing their unique travel bucket list, they’ve built a community of support, compassion, and prayer.
May Jack and Mia’s courage inspire others to cherish every moment and to remember that love knows no bounds. Sometimes, a travel bucket list is not about distant destinations but about meaningful journeys of the heart.
Great! The story is really so inspiring. It creates a hope in readers mind.
Thanks