Taylor Smith, a 12 year old from Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on January 5th, 2014 from a sudden onset of pneumonia. Notwithstanding this catastrophe, Taylor was an extraordinary young lady, hopeful and sprightly. Never was this more apparent than a letter that her parents came across.
As Taylor's parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were going through her possessions, they discovered a letter composed on April 2013 to her future self on April 13, 2023. The letter wasn't be expected to be opened until that date in but, as Taylor had died, they were eager what she wrote.
Below is the transcription of the letter:
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
In spite of her sudden passing, she remained totally positive. She roused her future self and even saluted her on graduating. Taylor's father told NBC that he "just want[ed] people to know just what an awesome, awesome person [Taylor] was" (Independent)
Posts
