In 2014, 12-year-old Taylor Smith died from complications from pneumonia. Her parents, Tim and Mary Smith, were left with an empty space that would never be filled. While they were going through their daughter’s things, they found a letter she had written to her future self. The letter was sent to Taylor in 2023, when she would have been 22 years old, and it told her not to open it until then. But because of what was going on, her parents chose to read it sooner. What they found was both sad and encouraging.
Taylor started the letter by thinking about her life and asking herself questions regarding her high school graduation, college, and goals for the future. She told her that she wanted to be a lawyer and asked her about her connection with God, telling her to pray, worship, and read the Bible. Taylor also wanted to know if she had ever gone on a mission trip, traveled to another country, or seen the hit TV show “Doctor Who.”
Taylor’s parents were really moved as they read the letter. They thought about how full of life their daughter was and all the ambitions she had for her future. The letter also showed that Taylor had a sense of humor and was interested in life. She asked about going to Dollywood, a theme park in Tennessee, and talked about the resort’s newest ride, the Wild Eagle.
The most touching section of the letter was when Taylor said that life is full of ups and downs. She said, “Keep in mind that I wrote this ten years ago. Things have happened, both good and tragic. “That’s just how life is, and you have to deal with it.”
Taylor’s parents chose to post the letter online, where it struck a chord with hundreds of thousands of people. The letter’s honesty and Taylor’s maturity beyond her years made many people cry. The letter reminded us to value life and the time we spend with the people we love.
Taylor’s parents found comfort in the letter and the memories they had of her as they thought about her life and legacy. Her narrative still inspires people to see the beauty in life and live in the now.
