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Book Description

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What would happen if tomorrow never came? Would your loved ones know your wishes, have the tools they need, and feel your presence in the plans you left behind?If I Should Die Before I Wake offers a compassionate, practical guide to preparing for life’s most difficult transitions before they arrive—while also showing you how to live more intentionally today. With clarity and warmth, she walks you through every step of end-of-life and legacy planning, from healthcare directives and estate organization to storytelling and memorial design. Along the way, you’ll also discover tools to help you embrace what matters most now.Inside, you’ll find guided worksheets to help you:True legacy is more than paperwork—it’s the love, wisdom, and values you leave behind. This book helps you organize what matters while also giving your family the gift of clarity and connection.

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  • Incorporate preventive physical and mental healthcare practices.

  • Create Advance Directives that truly reflect your wishes—and select a trusted support team to carry them out.

  • Secure your financial future using a retirement gameplan tailored to your individual needs.

  • Complete next-level estate legacy planning, including many subtle but important decisions that are easy to forget.

  • Find your sense of purpose by discovering ways to live intentionally—now.

  • Use storytelling as a bridge between generations, creating lasting connections and honoring your family’s legacy.

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Protect your voice, your loved ones, and your legacy starting today.

My first customers!

Author's Note

Writing a book about death, whether preparing for it, coping with it, or helping someone else work through it, has been a surprisingly comforting and cathartic journey for me. As writers, we often try to avoid clichés, but some exist because they express truths that are difficult to improve upon. “Labor of love” is one of them. The exercises in this book are just that: a labor of love for you, the reader.In writing this book, I often felt led by something larger than myself, as if the words flowed from a quiet truth within. Throughout this process, I have felt the presence of my angel mother, my brother who left us too soon, and my recently departed dad.Putting these words on paper has helped me heal from the regret of unspoken sentiments and the sadness of not having more time. It has left me longing for closure. It has also inspired me to share meaningful actions and preparations that we all must take before our time, or that of a loved one, comes. Too often, families are left with many unresolved legal matters and difficult decisions. My hope is that this book helps you avoid that all-too-common outcome. I hope it will replace confusion and heartache with clarity and peace.More than anything, you will find this book is about connection with yourself and with those you love. For aging parents, the days can become monotonous, filled with too much television and too little engagement. Conversations become more transactional, and the spark of curiosity dims. But what if you could change that? What if you could introduce daily exercises that allow your parents to reflect on their lives and relive special memories? What if they could rediscover their sense of purpose? What if, instead of quietly fading, they could actively embrace their legacy, knowing the impact they’ve had on others? Like George Bailey’s revelation in It’s a Wonderful Life, these reflections can shift the perspective on death from one of fear to one of gratitude. It would become a celebration of a life well-lived.I didn’t write this book because I have all the answers. I wrote it because I’ve faced the same questions many of us think about but rarely say out loud: What really matters? Am I ready? Will the people I love be okay when I’m gone?This workbook is the result of years of reflection, conversation, and practical planning. It’s a guide to help you live with intention and leave behind clarity, not confusion. My hope is that it inspires action, not just thought.You’ll find both emotional depth and practical tools in these pages. The goal isn’t to dwell on death; it’s to get clear on how we want to live, what we want to pass on, and how to make that legacy real.For all of us, regardless of age, this book is a call to remember that time is finite and that truth, while sobering, can be deeply motivating. It reminds us to grab each moment, to love more deeply, and to live more fully.And as Linda Ellis so eloquently expressed in her poem “The Dash,” the most important part of our lives is not the dates of our birth and death but the dash in between.Let this book be a guide to filling your dash with integrity, purpose, kindness, and gratitude.Whether you are just beginning your long walk home, nearing its end, or accompanying a loved one on their journey, I hope the words and exercises in this workbook provide you with strength, comfort, and inspiration.

About the Author

Theresa C. Bone – Author | Educator | Legacy AdvocateTheresa is a respected author and leadership professional with over two decades of experience in training, development, and human-centered planning. Holding a BA in Business and an MS in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne, she has dedicated her career to making complex ideas more accessible and
empowering individuals to take confident action in their personal and professional
lives.Theresa’s work is grounded in both expertise and empathy. Having lost several close family members early in life, she developed a deep appreciation for the fragile nature of time and the power of thoughtful planning. This perspective has shaped her belief that a true legacy is about more than possessions; it’s about meaning, clarity, and connection. With a voice that is both practical and compassionate, she helps others navigate difficult conversations and major life transitions with warmth and wisdom.Known for her ability to turn overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, Theresa empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being, protect their future, and live with purpose. She creates space for meaningful reflection, guiding others to uncover what matters most and take action accordingly.As a lifelong learner and natural teacher, Theresa believes every moment holds the potential to shape us. Through her writing, speaking, and personal guidance, she helps people move through uncertainty, find clarity in chaos, and create a legacy that continues to speak long after they are gone.

Testimonials

“While reading this book, I immediately thought of my family and friends, as well as myself. I want everyone I care about to have a copy. It’s that valuable.”
—Susan Lindley

“As I came to terms with my parents’ aging, I was relieved to discover this book. Its clear, organized plan gave me comfort and confidence in helping my parents and myself create a lasting legacy for our family. The touching stories throughout not only reinforce the importance of preparing for life’s final chapter but also celebrate the power of storytelling along the way.”
—Maury Stephan

“I was amazed at the range of topics this book covers, from finances to healthcare to legacy planning. Presented in a concise and simple format, it makes what once felt overwhelming a realistic and achievable goal.”
—Robin Coleman

Contact Theresa Directly or on Social Media.

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"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." —Mother Teresa