What most teenagers dream of is to go to college, travel the world, and have many friends. 12-year-old Taylor Smith, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was no different. This girl spent her days around her family and friends and loved watching a lot of Doctor Who.
Smith outlined these plans in a letter she wrote to her future self in April 2013. The letter was placed inside a box in her room with the instruction “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 12, 2023 only (unless said otherwise).”
Unfortunately, she didn’t live long enough to see whether those dreams would be accomplished. Just months after she wrote that letter, Taylor died of complications from a sudden onset of pneumonia.
Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were heartbroken. They couldn’t believe their girl was forever gone.
One day, as they were sorting through her possessions, they found the letter. As it touched them deeply, they decided to share it online and give others some solace.
As she shared her daughter’s letter, Marry Ellen wrote: “I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but
I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story.”
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
Beautiful words from an angel who was taken away from her family too soon!
If you were touched by Taylor’s words as much as we were, please share this story in her memory.
Compilation of Uplifting Tales Guaranteed to Brighten Your Entire Day
Three individuals find their lives unexpectedly intertwined with hope. From a boy’s simple lemonade stand to a grandmother’s heartfelt gift, discover how moments of kindness and determination can lead to life-changing outcomes.
Life’s most profound changes often begin with the smallest of actions—a gesture of kindness, a long-forgotten memory, or a simple dream pursued with determination. These three stories explore how ordinary moments can ignite extraordinary transformations, leaving us with a renewed sense of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can be found.
Lost and Found: Max’s Journey Home
Max had been living on the streets for as long as he could remember, which wasn’t very long at all. His past was a blur, a fog he couldn’t see through.
All he had was the present: the cold pavement beneath him, the hum of the city, and the mysterious tattoo on his hand—a small emblem with intricate lines that felt familiar, yet distant. It was the only clue to a life he had lost.
Despite his circumstances, Max never gave up. Every day, he roamed different neighborhoods, asking if anyone had small jobs he could do. He wasn’t looking for charity—he wanted to work. “Anything you need done? A small job, just for a meal,” he’d ask.
Some people ignored him, others turned him away, but a few, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, would offer him tasks like sweeping a storefront or carrying groceries.
With the few dollars he earned, Max bought clean clothes from thrift shops. Every Sunday, he made sure he looked presentable enough to attend church. It wasn’t just about fitting in; it was about his faith. He held onto it like a lifeline, believing that God hadn’t forgotten him.
And then, one Sunday, something remarkable happened.
Max stood near the back of the church, head bowed in reverence. The priest was just beginning the service when a man, tall and dressed in a sharp black suit, walked in.
The man noticed Max almost immediately, his eyes drawn to the tattoo on Max’s hand, which rested lightly on the pew.
The man’s eyes widened in shock. He quickly rolled up his sleeve, revealing an identical tattoo on his own wrist. Without hesitation, he strode toward Max, his steps quickening as realization dawned on him.
“Max? Is that really you?” the man asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Max looked up, confusion crossing his weathered face. “Do I know you?” he replied cautiously.
The man smiled, a tear slipping down his cheek. “Max, it’s me, Patrick! We went to school together—St. Francis Academy. Remember? We got these tattoos as a pact, promising we’d always stay friends.”
Max blinked, the name triggering a distant, flickering light in the fog of his mind. “Patrick…”
Patrick nodded, his smile growing wider. “That’s right! You and I were like brothers back then. What happened to you? We lost touch after graduation, and I never heard from you again.”
Max shook his head slowly. “I don’t remember much. I woke up one day, and everything was gone—my memory, my life. All I had was this tattoo.”
Patrick placed a hand on Max’s shoulder, his voice filled with determination. “Well, that ends today. You’re coming with me. We’re going to get you back on your feet.”
Max hesitated, looking down at his ragged clothes. “I’m not sure, Patrick… I’ve been like this for so long. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
Patrick’s laugh was warm and reassuring. “Start by coming home with me. You’ll stay at my place until we figure this out. And don’t worry about anything else. My company could use someone with your work ethic. We’ll find a role for you.”
For the first time in years, Max felt a spark of hope. “You’d do that for me?”
Patrick nodded firmly. “Of course, Max. You’re not just a friend, you’re family.”
After the service, Max stood up, still a bit shaky, as Patrick guided him out of the church. Back at Patrick’s apartment, Max was overwhelmed by the warmth and comfort, the soft carpet, and the smell of fresh coffee.
Patrick handed him a fresh set of clothes. “Take a shower, get cleaned up,” he urged. “Tomorrow, we’ll get you a doctor’s appointment and figure out what’s going on with your memory.”
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