Sonia Todd from Moscow, Idaho, bid farewell to this world at the tender age of 38 due to cancer. In a remarkable act of foresight and grace, she chose to write her own obituary. She believed traditional obituaries didn’t quite capture the essence of a person’s life in a way she found meaningful. So, she took this last opportunity to tell her story in her own words.
The obituary Sonia penned was nothing short of a masterpiece, laced with humor and wisdom. It was published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and continues to inspire and touch hearts. Sonia’s words were simple yet profound, dismissing her own accomplishments with humility. She once wrote, “I never really accomplished anything of note,” but her candid reflections have proven to be a legacy of their own.
Sonia began her obituary with these words: “Other than giving birth to my two wonderful, lovable, witty and amazing sons (James and Jason), marrying my gracious, understanding and precious husband (Brian), and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal savior – I have done very little. None of which requires obit space that I have to shell out money for.”
In her typical humorous style, Sonia elaborated that she didn’t want her loved ones to write an exaggerated portrait of her life. She preferred to spare them the discomfort of creating a narrative filled with half-truths and exaggerations. She wanted to share her truth, even if it was ordinary and understated.
“I just tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried. For all of my crazy comments, jokes and complaints, I really did love people. The only thing that separates me from anyone else is the type of sin each of us participated in.” Sonia’s honest confession resonates with all of us. She acknowledged her mistakes and expressed genuine regrets about the small ways she might have hurt others.
Despite acknowledging the imperfect moments in her life, Sonia also celebrated her journey. “I mostly enjoyed life. It wasn’t perfect and it encountered many bumps, especially in my teens and early twenties. But I learned something from every bad situation,” she said. Adding her charming humor, she remarked on the benefits of dying young: “I still owe on my student loans, and the joke’s on them because I’m not paying them. Plus, I am no longer afraid of serial killers, telemarketers or the IRS.”
Sonia addressed the idea that writing one’s own obituary might be seen as morbid by some. She countered this by saying, “I think it is great because I get a chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. Those who loved me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me and taught me things so that I could have a wonderful, happy life. I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made my life worthwhile.”
In wrapping up her poignant life story, Sonia urged others to live more meaningful lives. “If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory do this: Volunteer at a school, church or library. Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive effect on your life. If you smoke – quit. If you drink and drive – stop.”
Her advice continued, “Turn off the electronics and take a kid out for ice cream and talk to them about their hopes and dreams. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it. Stop at all lemonade-stands run by kids and brag about their product. Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.”
Today, let’s take a moment to honor Sonia’s memory by following some of her heartfelt suggestions. We still have time to make a positive impact, and with her parting words, Sonia Todd has given us a timeless reminder of what truly matters in life.
