What many teenagers aspire to is attending college, exploring the globe, and making numerous friends. 12-year-old Taylor Smith from Johnson City, Tennessee, was just like that. She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends and had a passion for watching Doctor Who.
In April 2013, Smith detailed her dreams in a letter addressed to her future self. This letter was kept in a box in her room, accompanied by the note, “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023 only (unless stated otherwise).”
Sadly, she didn’t have the chance to witness the fulfillment of those dreams. Just a few months after penning that letter, Taylor passed away due to complications from a sudden case of pneumonia.
Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were devastated. They could hardly accept that their daughter was gone forever.
One day, while going through her belongings, they stumbled upon the letter. It moved them profoundly, prompting them to share it online in hopes of providing comfort to others.
While sharing her daughter’s letter, Marry Ellen expressed: “I can’t bring her back to life, I can’t return her, but I’m incredibly thankful that her story has inspired so many people.”
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
If Taylor’s words resonated with you like they did with us, we invite you to share this story in her honor.
