When Sonia Todd, a vibrant woman from Moscow, Idaho, faced her mortality at just 38 years old, she took an unconventional approach. Instead of leaving her obituary to others, Sonia wrote her own, infusing it with humor, wisdom, and unflinching honesty. Her words have left an indelible mark, inspiring others to reflect on their own lives and priorities.
In her remarkable obituary, Sonia downplayed her accomplishments, but her words spoke volumes about her character. She lovingly acknowledged her husband, Brian, and their two sons, James and Jason, as well as her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. With disarming candor, Sonia shared her regrets, revealing a deep love for people and a desire to have done more good in her life.
Rather than relying on others to craft a sanitized account of her life, Sonia bravely shared her own truth. “I just tried to do the best I could,” she wrote. “Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried.” Beneath her witty remarks and self-deprecating humor, Sonia revealed a profound appreciation for the people and experiences that had shaped her life.
Sonia confronted her challenges head-on, acknowledging the hurdles she had faced and the valuable lessons she had learned from each setback. Even in death, she found solace in the fact that she no longer had to worry about the mundane concerns of everyday life.
To those who might question the unorthodox nature of her self-written obituary, Sonia expressed heartfelt gratitude. She saw this opportunity as a chance to thank all those who had enriched her life, from loved ones who had supported her to those who had taught her valuable lessons.
Sonia’s parting words have left a lasting impact. She urged others to make meaningful changes in their own lives, to volunteer, express gratitude, and spread joy whenever possible. Her advice was simple yet powerful: cherish loved ones, forgive the unforgivable, and make a positive difference in the world.
Today, we honor Sonia Todd’s memory by embracing her wisdom. Let us not wait until it’s too late to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Sonia’s legacy reminds us to live with intention, to cherish our relationships, and to make a positive impact on our communities. Her words continue to inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.
