Sonia Todd of Moscow, Idaho, faced an unimaginable reality: she was dying of cancer at the young age of 38. With the end of her life approaching, Sonia took a step that most of us would never consider—she decided to write her own obituary. What resulted was a poignant, humorous, and deeply reflective piece that continues to inspire long after her passing.
Sonia Todd: A Life Lived with Honesty and Humor
In her obituary, Sonia Todd was refreshingly candid. She began by acknowledging that she didn’t care for the way most obituaries are written. Instead of leaving the task to others, she chose to take control, writing about her life in a way that was uniquely her own.
Sonia’s self-written obituary was published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, where it quickly resonated with readers. Despite her claim that she “never really accomplished anything of note,” the wisdom and honesty she expressed proved otherwise. Sonia’s words have since become a lasting reminder of what truly matters in life.
Reflecting on Life: Sonia’s Take on Her Achievements
Sonia’s obituary opens with a modest statement: “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.” Yet, as readers would soon discover, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sonia chose to downplay her accomplishments, but the legacy she left behind speaks volumes. By writing her own obituary, she offered a glimpse into her character—someone who valued love, faith, and the small moments that make life meaningful. Her humor, even in the face of death, shines through as she jokes about owing student loans that she wouldn’t have to repay and not fearing the IRS or serial killers anymore.
The Power of Self-Reflection: Sonia’s Honest Admissions
What sets Sonia’s obituary apart is her willingness to be completely honest about her life. She admitted that she didn’t always make the right choices and that those were the things she regretted most. “I just tried to do the best I could,” she wrote. “Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried.”
Sonia’s humility and self-awareness are evident as she reflects on the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned. She understood that, in the end, it’s not about grand achievements or accolades but about how we treat others and the impact we have on their lives.
Finding Light in Darkness: Sonia’s Humor in the Face of Death
Even in the face of her impending death, Sonia found ways to inject humor into her final words. She joked about the benefits of dying young, such as not having to pay off student loans or worry about telemarketers. This lightheartedness in the face of such a serious situation is a testament to her resilient spirit.
Sonia’s ability to find humor in the darkest of times serves as a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, even when it’s coming to an end. Her witty remarks give us permission to smile, even as we confront the harsh realities of mortality.
A Message to the Living: Sonia’s Final Advice
The most powerful part of Sonia’s obituary is the advice she left for those who would read it. Instead of focusing on her own life, she used her final words to encourage others to make positive changes in their lives. “If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory do this,” she wrote.
Sonia’s advice is simple yet profound: volunteer, write letters of appreciation, quit smoking, stop drinking and driving, take time to connect with children, forgive those who don’t deserve it, and make someone smile if you can. These are all things that any of us can do, and Sonia’s words serve as a gentle nudge to live our lives with more kindness, compassion, and joy.
Honoring Sonia’s Legacy: A Call to Action
Today, as we reflect on Sonia Todd’s life and the wisdom she shared, it’s a good time to consider how we can honor her memory by following her advice. We still have the time to volunteer, to forgive, to connect with others, and to spread happiness wherever we go. Sonia’s words remind us that life is fleeting, and we should strive to make the most of the time we have.
Sonia Todd’s obituary is more than just a final farewell—it’s a blueprint for living a life filled with purpose, laughter, and love. Her decision to write her own obituary was a brave and selfless act, one that continues to inspire and guide those who read it.
Conclusion: Sonia’s Wisdom Lives On
Sonia Todd’s self-written obituary is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to shape our legacy. Her words, filled with humor, honesty, and wisdom, encourage us to live our lives with intention and to focus on what truly matters. As we go about our daily lives, let’s keep Sonia’s advice in mind and strive to make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.
Sonia may have believed that she “never really accomplished anything of note,” but the truth is, she accomplished something extraordinary. Through her words, she continues to touch lives and inspire change, proving that a life well-lived is the greatest achievement of all.
