A young girl who passed away last week is living on through a letter she wrote to her future self, one that contains invaluable advice just when her family needs it most.
On January 5, Taylor Scout Smith died from complications with pneumonia, leaving behind her mother, father, and older brother. Her parents have been going through her things since her passing, and have found a number of letters she hadn’t yet delivered. Including one to her future self.
“To be opened by Taylor Smith on: April 13, 2023 ONLY! Unless said otherwise,” the front of the envelope reads. Inside, Taylor asks her future self about college, religion, and Doctor Who. She provides details about her current activities, family life, and even her iPad. And she closes with some words of wisdom that are helping her parents through the tragedy:
“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.”
Here’s the complete letter, courtesy of Hosanna Fellowship. Full transcript below.
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
WJHL; Images via Hosanna Fellowship, WJHL, Tim Smith on Facebook.