Dreams of a Young Soul

Most teenagers have big dreams – college, traveling, and making lifelong friends. 12-year-old Taylor Smith, from Johnson City, Tennessee, was no exception. She spent her days surrounded by loved ones and enjoyed watching her favorite show, Doctor Who. In April 2013, Taylor wrote a letter to her future self, outlining her hopes and aspirations. She placed the letter in a box in her room with a specific instruction: “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023 only (unless said otherwise).”

A Tragic Loss

Sadly, Taylor didn’t live to see her dreams come true. Just months after penning her letter, she passed away from pneumonia. Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were devastated. The loss of their beloved daughter was unbearable.

A Letter That Shines Light

While sorting through Taylor’s belongings, her parents stumbled upon the letter. It deeply touched their hearts, and they felt compelled to share it with the world. They hoped it could provide solace to others who were also grieving.

Taylor’s Words Live On

Below are the words Taylor wrote to her future self:

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

Honoring Taylor’s Memory

We are inspired by the beautiful words of an angel who left this world far too soon. Though we cannot bring her back, her memory lives on through her heartfelt letter. We invite you to share Taylor’s story, so her words can touch the lives of others as they have touched ours.