Gina Heslop
Sonia Todd, a resident of Moscow, Idaho, faced a life-altering diagnosis of terminal cancer at the young age of 38. Instead of succumbing to despair, Sonia confronted her mortality with remarkable grace and humor, leaving behind an obituary that is both heart-wrenching and inspirational.
In her self-penned obituary, Sonia expressed her aversion to the traditional timeline format, feeling that her life didn’t boast any notable accomplishments. However, she acknowledged her proudest achievements: her two sons, James and Jason, and her husband, Brian. Sonia’s love for her family and her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ defined her existence.
Sonia possessed a unique perspective on her passing. She decided to write her obituary herself, shunning the idea of friends crafting a potentially embellished version of her life. Her honesty was striking as she confessed that she often failed and didn’t always say or do the right things. Sonia’s heartfelt regrets centered on the small, everyday things that had hurt people along the way.
Despite life’s imperfections and the bumps in the road, Sonia maintained a positive outlook. She humorously suggested erasing the years from age 16 to 20 (or maybe 14 to 22) to eliminate the fashion disasters of the ’80s. She found lessons in every hardship and was grateful for the joys life had offered her.
Sonia’s obituary displayed a charming and wry sense of humor. She pointed out the advantages of passing away “youngish,” such as not having to pay student loans or fearing serial killers, telemarketers, or the IRS. She could now escape the worries about wrinkles, the ozone layer, or election season news.
But Sonia’s obituary wasn’t just about her. She wanted to express gratitude to the people who had touched her life. She encouraged everyone to write a letter to someone who had positively influenced them, to quit smoking, stop drinking and driving, spend time with a child, forgive the unforgivable, and support young entrepreneurs at lemonade stands. Her final message was simple but profound: “Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.”
Sonia Todd’s self-written obituary is a poignant reminder of the beauty of living a life filled with love, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people who make it worthwhile. Her ability to face her impending death with candor and grace is a testament to the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. Sonia’s legacy lives on, not only through her words but through the inspiration she offers to us all.
