There are certain things that most people tend to avoid when it comes to conversations. The majority of us would probably agree that death and taxes are two of those things that don’t tend to add to conversations but rather, they are best avoided. It can be uncomfortable to think about our own death but when you are dealing with a terminal illness, it is probably foremost on your mind. From the moment you hear the bad news from the doctor, it seems as if your entire life changes and the best thing that you can do is to face it head-on. That is what Sonia Todd from Moscow, Idaho decided to do.
Sonia was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer and she knew that it wouldn’t be long before she would pass away. Rather than wasting the last few days stressing over the situation, she decided to do something unusual. She wrote her own obituary and it is more than just a summation of what she did in her life. It included a lot of humor and good advice that people are finding inspirational.
Unfortunately, Sonia died when she was only 38 years old from a terminal form of cancer. Prior to the time that she died, she wrote an obituary and her comforting words are incredible.
I don’t like the timeline format because, let’s face it, I never really accomplished anything of note. 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. None of which requires obit space that I have to shell out money for.”
“I also didn’t want a bunch of my friends sitting around writing a glowing report of me, which we all know would be filled with fish tales, half-truths, impossible scenarios, and out-right honest-to-goodness-lies. I just don’t like to put people in that kind of situation.”
“The truth, or my version of it, is this: I just tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but I tried. For all of my crazy comments, jokes, and complaints, I really did love people. The only thing that separates me from anyone else is the type of sin each of us participated in. I didn’t always do the right thing or say the right thing and when you come to the end of your life those are the things you really regret, the small simple things that hurt other people.”
My life was not perfect and I encountered many, many bumps in the road. I would totally scrap the years of my life from age 16 to 20 … OK, maybe 14 to 22. I think that would eradicate most of my fashion disasters and hair missteps from the 80s. But mostly, I enjoyed life. Some parts of it were harder than others, but I learned something from every bad situation and I couldn’t do any more than that.”
Besides there are some benefits to dying youngish, for example, I still owe on my student loans and the joke’s on them [because] I’m not paying them. Plus, I am no longer afraid of serial killers, telemarketers, or the IRS. I don’t have to worry about wrinkles or the ozone layer and/or hide from the news during election season.”
“Some folks told me that writing my own obituary was morbid, but I think it is great because I get a chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. Those who loved me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me and taught me things so that I could have a wonderful, happy life. I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made my life worthwhile.”
“If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory do this:
Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive effect on your life.”
“If you smoke — quit.”
“If you drink and drive — stop.”
“Turn off the electronics and 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.”
The conclusion of the obituary read: “Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.”
This is perhaps one of the saddest and most comforting things that we have read in a long time. Take a lesson from this brave woman and go through difficult times in life with dignity and honor.
