At just 38, Sonia Todd’s life was cut short by cancer, but her courage and wit continue to inspire. Before passing away, Sonia took the unusual step of writing her own obituary, rejecting traditional formats and sharing her story with unflinching honesty.
Published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Sonia’s obituary was a testament to her resilience and humor. Despite humble beginnings, she declared, “I never really accomplished anything of note.” Yet, her words proved to be a remarkable achievement, revealing a life of love, laughter, and lessons learned.
Sonia’s obituary began with gratitude, acknowledging her loving family: husband Brian and sons James and Jason. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and cherished the people who enriched her life.
With disarming candor, Sonia shared her struggles and regrets. “I just tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried.” She recognized the shared humanity that unites us, acknowledging that “the only thing that separates me from anyone else is the type of sin each of us participated in.”
Sonia’s life was not without challenges, particularly in her youth. However, she found value in every experience, saying, “I learned something from every bad situation and I couldn’t do any more than that.”
With tongue-in-cheek humor, she noted the benefits of dying young: avoiding student loans and fearing serial killers, telemarketers, and the IRS.
Defying those who called her self-written obituary morbid, Sonia saw it as a chance to express gratitude to loved ones and share her story. Her parting words were a call to action, encouraging others to reevaluate their lives.
Sonia’s final wishes were simple yet profound: volunteer, write letters of appreciation, quit smoking, forgive others, and spread joy. Her legacy inspires us to cherish life’s moments and prioritize what truly matters.
Today, we honor Sonia’s memory by embracing her wisdom. We still have time to make a difference, to spread love and kindness. Sonia Todd’s self-written obituary has become a testament to the power of courage, humor, and gratitude.
As we reflect on Sonia’s words, we realize that true accomplishment lies not in grand achievements but in the positive impact we have on others. Her courage and humor have left an enduring mark, reminding us to cherish every moment and make the most of the time we have.
