In an age where most of us are too busy to even contemplate our mortality, Sonia Todd of Moscow, Idaho, made a bold and inspiring choice. At just 38 years old, Sonia faced terminal cancer, knowing her time was limited. Instead of allowing someone else to sum up her life in a few lines after her passing, she took control of her story. Sonia wrote her own obituary—a piece that is not only deeply personal but also a testament to her humor, wisdom, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Sonia Todd: A Life Lived with Honesty and Humor
In a world where obituaries often follow a template—highlighting accomplishments, listing survivors, and glossing over the hardships—Sonia Todd’s obituary stands out as a refreshing deviation. She started by acknowledging why she chose to write her own farewell, stating plainly that traditional obituaries often contain “fish tales, half-truths, impossible scenarios, and outright honest-to-goodness lies.” She didn’t want to leave her loved ones with the burden of sugar-coating her life. Instead, she wanted the truth, her truth, to be heard.
Reflecting on Life: Sonia’s Take on Her Achievements
Despite the gravity of her situation, Sonia’s sense of humor shines through in her writing. She jokes about her student loans, noting that “the joke’s on them ‘cause I’m not paying them.” She even found light in the darker aspects of life, mentioning that she’s no longer afraid of serial killers, telemarketers, or the IRS. Her ability to find humor, even as she faced the end, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
The Power of Self-Reflection: Sonia’s Honest Admissions
Sonia’s obituary isn’t filled with grandiose achievements or exaggerated tales of success. Instead, it’s a reflection of a life lived with sincerity. She wrote, “I just tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried.” These words are relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with the ups and downs of life. Sonia didn’t claim to be perfect, and she didn’t pretend that her life was without its challenges. But she did emphasize that she loved people and always tried to do right by them, even if she didn’t always succeed.
Finding Light in Darkness: Sonia’s Humor in the Face of Death
Sonia’s honesty about her life’s struggles is both refreshing and humbling. She openly admitted that her life wasn’t perfect and that she faced many difficulties, particularly during her teenage years and early twenties. However, she didn’t dwell on these challenges. Instead, she chose to see them as opportunities for growth, stating, “I learned something from every bad situation and I couldn’t do any more than that.” This perspective is a valuable lesson for all of us: that even in our darkest times, there’s always something to be learned, some way to grow.
A Message to the Living: Sonia’s Final Advice
One of the most touching aspects of Sonia’s obituary is her expression of gratitude. She used this opportunity to thank those who had made a difference in her life, whether by offering love, assistance, or simply sharing a laugh. She wrote, “I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made my life worthwhile.” In these few words, Sonia encapsulated the true meaning of life—not in material achievements, but in the relationships and connections we build with others.
Honoring Sonia’s Legacy: A Call to Action
Perhaps the most powerful part of Sonia Todd’s obituary is her call to action for those she left behind. She didn’t just want to be remembered; she wanted her memory to inspire others to live better lives. She urged people to volunteer at schools, churches, or libraries, to write letters of appreciation, to quit smoking, and to stop drinking and driving. Her advice continued with simple yet profound suggestions: “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.”
These words are not just a reflection of the life Sonia lived, but a blueprint for how we can all live more meaningful lives. They remind us that the small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness and understanding are what truly matter in the end.
Conclusion: Sonia’s Wisdom Lives On
Sonia Todd’s obituary is more than just a farewell; it’s a poignant reminder that life is what we make of it. Her words, filled with humor, honesty, and wisdom, offer a powerful lesson in how to live fully, love deeply, and leave behind a legacy that inspires others. In writing her own obituary, Sonia gave us all a gift—a chance to reflect on our own lives and consider how we might be remembered. Her story challenges us to take control of our narratives, to live authentically, and to never forget the importance of the small acts of kindness that make life worthwhile.
