For most of us, death is a scary thought. We try to avoid thinking about it at all costs. But people with terminal illnesses don't have that luxury. Death is knocking on their door and it's a topic they can't hide from it.
Sonia Todd was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer. She knew her death was coming, so she did something a little different: She wrote her own obituary. And her words are truly inspirational.
You can read the whole obituary in the post below. But here are a few of my favorite pieces...
"My name is Sonia Todd, and I died of cancer at the age of 38. I decided to write my own obituary because they are usually written in a couple of different ways that I just don’t care for. Either, family or friends gather together, and list every minor accomplishment from cradle to grave in a timeline format, or they try and create one poetic last stanza about someone’s life that is so glowing one would think the deceased had been the living embodiment of a deity.”
"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."
"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:- 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.- 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."