The letter was wasn’t supposed to be opened for 10 years, but Tim and Mary decided to open it. And what they read changed everything…
Taylor Smith, a 12-year-old girl from Johnson City, Tennessee, had the same dreams as most teenagers. She wanted to go to college, explore the world, and make many friends. In her free time, Taylor enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and she was a big fan of watching Doctor Who.
In April 2013, Smith detailed her plans in a letter addressed to her future self. The letter was kept in a box in her room with a note saying it should only be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023, unless instructed otherwise.
Sadly, she passed away before she could witness if her dreams would come true. A few months after penning that letter, Taylor succumbed to pneumonia complications.
Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, the parents, were devastated. They couldn’t accept that their daughter was gone forever.
While going through her belongings, they stumbled upon a letter that deeply moved them. They made the choice to share it online, hoping to bring comfort to others.
Marry Ellen expressed, “Although I cannot bring her back to life, I am unable to physically revive her,” as she shared her daughter’s letter.
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
Lovely words from a angel who left her family too early!
If you were touched by Taylor’s words as much as we were, please share this story in her memory.
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