When you were in your teens, we all assumed you wanted to go to college, travel the world, and make a lot of friends. You wanted to achieve so much and have beautiful children. Taylor Smith, 12, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was no exception. This girl spent her days with her family and friends, and she enjoyed watching Doctor Who.
Smith, however, outlined her future plans in a letter that she wrote in April 2013. She placed her letter in a box in her room with her own instructions inscribed “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023, only (unless otherwise stated.”)
It is so heart-touching that she did not live long enough to see if her dreams were realized. Taylor died of complications from a sudden onset of pneumonia just months after she wrote that letter.
Her parents and siblings, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were devastated. They couldn’t believe their girl was no longer with them.
One fine day, as they were sorting and arranging her belongings, they discovered the letter. They decided to share it online because it had a profound impact on them.
Marry Ellen wrote in her post about her daughter’s letter, “I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story.”
Taylor’s letter, as well as the words she wrote to herself, are included below.
Dear Taylor,
How’s life? Life is pretty simple right now (10 years in the 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 reasons for this, 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 lives we’re at right now, do it! He was mocked, beaten, tortured, and crucified for you! A sinless man who never harmed you or anyone else!
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’ve got to 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 want to be a lawyer.
Have you been to Dollywood recently? Right now, their newest attraction is the Wild Eagle. It’s so much fun!
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! I also attached 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
Beautiful words from an angel who was taken too soon from her family!
If Taylor’s words moved you as much as they did us, please share this story in her honor.
