Like
many teenagers, 12-year-old Taylor Smith from Johnson City, Tennessee, harbored
dreams of attending college, exploring the world, and cultivating lasting
friendships. She cherished moments with her family and friends, and was an avid
fan of the television show Doctor Who.
Smith
penned down her aspirations in a letter addressed to her future self back in
April 2013. Placed inside a box in her room, the letter bore the instruction
"To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023 only (unless said
otherwise)."

Tragically,
Taylor didn't live to witness whether those dreams would come true. Just months
after writing that letter, she passed away due to complications from a sudden
bout of pneumonia.
Tim
and Mary Ellen Smith, Taylor's parents, were devastated. They couldn't come to
terms with the fact that their daughter was gone forever.
One
day, while going through her belongings, they stumbled upon the letter. Moved
by its contents, they felt compelled to share it online, hoping it might bring
solace to others.

As
she posted her daughter's letter, Mary Ellen expressed, "I can't bring her
back or change what happened, but I'm thankful that her story has inspired
others."

Here
are the words penned by Taylor in her letter 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
Heartfelt
sentiments from a cherished soul who departed too soon from her loved ones!
If
Taylor's words touched you as deeply as they did us, please share her story in
her honor.
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