Girl’s Letter To Her Future Self, Written Months Before She Passed Away

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.