Sonia Todd of Moscow, Idaho, died of cancer at the young age of 38. But knowing the end was near, she decided to write her own obituary before passing away. As she explained, obituaries were usually written a couple of different ways that she simply didn’t care for. So, as one of her last acts on this earth, she put pen to paper and decided for herself how her obituary would read.
The result of Sonia confronting her own mortality as she penned her obituary was a piece full of humor as well as wisdom, appearing in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. The words were so honest and inspirational that long after her death, they will still ring true, giving others something to aspire to. Ironically, Sonia wrote, “I never really accomplished anything of note.” How wrong she was. The truth expressed in the obituary she wrote proved to be quite an accomplishment in and of itself.
“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,” Sonia Todd began, explaining why she was writing her obituary and why it wouldn’t be like others.
Adding that she didn’t want a bunch of her loved ones sitting around to write a glowing report of her, which she says would be “filled with fish tales, half-truths, impossible scenarios, and out-right-honest-to-goodness-lies,” Sonia explained she simply didn’t like putting people in those kinds of situations. With the explanation out of the way, she got to her version of the truth about her own life.
“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,” Sonia admitted.
Although she said that she mostly enjoyed life, she also said it wasn’t perfect and that she encountered many bumps in the road, especially in her teens and early 20s. Even though some parts of her life were harder than others, Sonia said, “I learned something from every bad situation and I couldn’t do any more than that.” She also claimed there were benefits to dying young. Jokingly, she wrote, “I still owe on my student loans and the jokes on them cuz I’m not paying them. Plus, I am no longer afraid of serial killers, telemarketers or the IRS.”Addressing the fact that some people have told her that writing her own obituary is morbid, Sonia Todd continued, “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.”
It was the conclusion of her obituary that was the most important, however. Sonia encouraged others to change their lives. “If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory do this: Volunteer at a school, church or library. 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,” she wrote.
Her advise continued, “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. Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.”
Today seems like a good day to honor Sonia’s memory by completing some of these simple requests and reminding others to do the same. Luckily for us, we still have time for these things. And, thankfully, with her dying wish, Sonia Todd left us these words of wisdom that few realize until it’s too late
Marie Osmond stirs debate after debuting new hair – it’s a ‘drastic change’
The well-known singer and adored TV personality Marie Osmond has caused quite a stir with her latest fashion change.
The 64-year-old celebrity, who is well-known for her signature brunette locks, shocked admirers recently by revealing a gorgeous new hairstyle in a video.
See how she’s rocking her new style by reading on!
Marie’s admirers commented on her new hairstyle on social media after she recently shared an Instagram photo of it.
One fan said, “Wow, you look like a whole different person!” while another questioned, “Oh my Marie, why the drastic change?”
If I ran into you as a blonde, I’m not sure if I would even know you. One user said, “You look like a completely different person [sic].” “She’s absolutely not blonde! Another person said, “It’s fun to change your hair color, and I’m sure it’s just a wig.”
But for Marie, this makeover is about embracing a brand-new appearance rather than just getting a new hair color! Before having her hair done, she stated in an interview with Closer Weekly, “If my hair gets really, really gray and I can’t dye it black anymore, I’ll go blonde!”
Marie talked candidly about the difficulties in doing hair care at home during the pandemic. She used online consultations with her hairstylist to get advice because salons were closed.
“I asked her how it looked when I gave her a call. and she responds, “You really can’t do hair, isn’t that right?” Marie told ET Online about it.
Marie said that her hairstylist, who helped her through the process, had been her lifeline during that period. She helped me work through this. Marie clarified, “Now you pull it over your grays and then they can’t see it.” She made me put everything front in a ponytail.
The always upbeat Marie claimed that she had truly enjoyed the experience of experimenting despite the few difficulties. It’s enjoyable as there are numerous methods for hiding items and achieving time and money savings, she thought.
One comment on her new blonde hairstyle stuck out among the others: “Oh my God! Is that truly what you done to your hair?
One more commenter said, “Blonde is not you.”
Nevertheless, there were encouraging remarks among the differing viewpoints. One fan wrote, reassuringly, “I’m surprised so many people are criticizing the blonde look. You look amazing! Disregard those who are critical of you.
One thing is certain, though: Marie’s appeal to followers and viewers will never fade, whether her blonde hair is a passing fad or a permanent alteration!
How did Marie’s new appearance appeal to you? Tell us in the comments below!
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