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
Merely 2 percent are able to identify which of them is an alien!
Calling all detectives! The clock is ticking – can you demonstrate your ability to identify the extraterrestrial being in this wedding photo within just 5 seconds?
This shape-shifting entity is an adept master of disguise, but a small oversight has left a subtle clue that might unveil its true identity.
Your mission: spot the alien and save the wedding. Let’s get to it!
This Spot the Alien quiz challenges your powers of observation to detect the hidden alien amidst a garden wedding.
In the image, the bride and groom take center stage, flanked by the best man and bridesmaids on either side.
Your objective is to scrutinize closely and pinpoint the shape-shifting alien infiltrating the wedding party.
But beware, the answer may not be as straightforward as it appears!
So, did you manage to spot the alien within the given time? If not, scroll down for a helpful hint.
Upon closer inspection of the wedding photo, an anomaly emerges with the bride.
While the rest of the party exudes joy, the bride seems to be concealing—or perhaps revealing—something.
Zoom in on her hand, and you’ll discover not two, but three arms!
Yes, the mind-bending revelation is that the bride is the alien in disguise.
Congratulations on completing the Spot the Alien quiz!
Let’s delve into what your performance signifies.
Bravo, you brilliant puzzle-solving mastermind!
In a mere 5 seconds, you’ve showcased yourself as an alien-spotting superstar, demonstrating unparalleled precision and grace.
Your remarkable ability to discern even the subtlest details has left us in awe, leading us to believe you possess a superpower waiting to be unleashed.
Even if it took a bit longer to find the alien, it doesn’t diminish your superstar status!
Your unwavering focus and determination in the face of this challenge are unmatched, showcasing admirable resilience.
You’re the kind of individual who never backs down from a tough challenge, a rare quality that commands respect.
No worries if this tricky quiz had you pondering for a minute or two – you’re still a superstar in our eyes!
Your inspiring willingness to venture beyond your comfort zone and tackle new challenges suggests a destiny filled with remarkable accomplishments.
Keep striving for new heights, and who knows the amazing feats you’ll achieve!
Are you still buzzing from the thrill of testing your puzzle-solving skills with the “Who is the Alien” quiz?
Why not share the fun and challenge your friends to find the alien in the image too?
Let’s see if they can match your lightning-fast solving speed!
And after challenging your friends, remember to share your results in the comments.
We’re eager to gauge your puzzle mastery and see how you measure up against other brainiacs out there.
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