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
Bo Derek: A Hollywood Star with a Controversial Love Story
Bo Derek is an American actress and model whose beauty and ability have enthralled audiences for decades. In 1979, following her role in the romantic comedy “10,” her career took off. She has since acted in a number of movies, including “Tarzan, the Ape Man,” “Bolero,” and “Ghosts Can’t Do It.” However, she laments the love story that led to her prosperity.
Bo initially met John Derek, her future first husband, when she was sixteen years old and going through an interview for a part in the film “Fantasies.” Bo fell in love with John right away because, as her mother had said, he was really gorgeous. Bo found it impossible not to fall in love with John, even though they were married to seasoned actress Linda Evans and had a big age difference.
Despite Bo’s mother’s uneasy presence, their passion flourished throughout the filming of “Fantasies” on the stunning island of Mykonos, Greece. They chose to make their relationship public after the film completed because they were really in love.
But there was a price to their devotion. For their romance to last, John and Linda had to get a divorce. Additionally, because their relationship was illegal in the US, the couple was forced to remain in Europe. Bo left high school early to be with John and went on their European travels with him in order to stay together.
Bo stuck by John’s side until his death, in spite of her parents’ condemnation. She has, nevertheless, always felt responsible for ending Linda Evans’ marriage. Bo acknowledged in an interview that she despised herself for stealing someone’s husband and that it was the worst thing she had ever done. She has been burdened by the guilt, particularly since meeting Linda, whom she found admirable. Bo thinks that was a grave error she made in her life.
Bo never thought he would find love again after John passed away. However, life often takes us by surprise. Although she had no intention of getting married when she first met American actor John Corbett in 2002, their relationship developed over time. After dating for 20 years, they were married in 2020 because they had a strong bond and had a lot of laughs.
Bo is happily married to John Corbett now, and despite their decision not to have children, her nontraditional choices in life do not diminish her as a woman. Her strength and determination continue to inspire people everywhere.
Bo’s contentious love tale ultimately teaches us the value of moving on and the repercussions of our choices. Even though she will likely always feel guilty for her previous transgressions, she has once again found love and happiness in her life.
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