Twelve-year-old Taylor Smith, of Johnson City, Tennessee’s goals were simple: Go to college, travel outside the country, keep God in her life and watch a lot of Doctor Who.
In April 2013, Smith outlined these plans in a letter she wrote to her future self. She kept the letter in a box in her room with the instruction “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023, only (unless said otherwise).”
Sadly, only a few months after writing the letter, Smith died of complications from a sudden onset of pneumonia.
Her grieving parents found the letter while sorting through her possessions. Warmed by the memories of their daughter, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith decided to post it online hoping it would give others solace.
Scroll down to read what Taylor had to say to her 22-year-old self…
Tim and Mary Smith lost their daughter, Taylor, to pneumonia when she was only 12-years-old. The Tennessee couple went through their late daughter’s belongings and found a mysterious letter.
Taylor wrote a letter to her future self on April 13, 2013. She sealed the note writing that it was to be opened on April 13, 2023, when she was 22-years-old.
“Is Doctor Who still on the air? If not, what generation did they end
it with? You should go watch some Doctor Who! Later though, you gotta finish
reading your own words of wisdom!
“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.”
The letter also includes a diagram of an iPad to show her children in case it
no longer exists.
“Don’t forget to tell your kids that we’re older than the tablet”,
she writes. “I also have a drawing of an iPad so you can show them.”
Mrs. Smith said: “I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but
I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story.”
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
Beautiful words from an angel who taken away from her family too soon!
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