Most teenagers dream of going to college, traveling the world, and making lots of friends. Twelve-year-old Taylor Smith, from Johnson City, Tennessee, was no exception. She enjoyed spending her days with family and friends and was an avid Doctor Who fan.
In April 2013, Smith outlined her plans in a letter addressed to her future self. She placed the letter inside a box in her room with the instruction, “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023, only (unless said otherwise).”
Sadly, she didn’t live long enough to see if her dreams would come true. Just months after writing the letter, Taylor passed away from complications due to a sudden onset of pneumonia.
Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were devastated. They couldn’t believe their daughter was gone forever.
While sorting through her belongings one day, they found the letter. Deeply moved, they decided to share it online to provide comfort to others.
As she shared her daughter’s letter, Mary Ellen wrote: “I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story.”
Below is Taylor’s letter and the words she wrote to herself.
Dear Taylor,
How’s life? Life is pretty simple right now (10 years in your past). I know I’m late for you, but as I’m writing, this is early, so; congratulations on graduating high school! If you didn’t, go back and keep trying. Get that degree! Are you (we) in college? If not, I understand. We do have pretty good reasoning, after all.
Don’t forget, it’s Allana’s 11th birthday today! Sheesh, 11 already? In my time, she just turned 1! I didn’t get to go to that party though, because I was in Cranks, Kentucky for my first mission trip. I’ve only been back for 6 days!
Speaking of, how’s your relationship with GOD? Have you prayed, worshipped, read the bible, or gone to serve the lord recently? If not, get up and do so NOW! I don’t care what point in our life we’re in right now, do it! He was mocked, beaten, tortured, and crucified for you! A sinless man, who never did you or any other person any wrong!
Now, have you gone on any more mission trips? Have you been out of the country yet? How about on a plane?
Is Doctor Who still on the air? If not, what regeneration did they end it with? You should go watch some Doctor Who! Later though, you gotta finish reading your own words of wisdom!
Do you have your own place yet? If we’re in college, what are we majoring in? Right now, I wanna be a lawyer.
Have you been to Dollywood recently? Right now, their newest attraction is the Wild Eagle. It’s so fun!
Also I think I’m going to sell my iPad and buy an iPad mini, Don’t forget to tell your kids that we’re older than the tablet! Attached I also have a drawing of an iPad, so you can show them.
Well, I think that’s all. But remember, it’s been 10 years since I wrote this. Stuff has happened, good and bad. That’s just how life works, and you have to go with it.
Sincerely, Taylor Smith
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Beautiful words from an angel taken too soon from her family!