Any parent’s worst nightmare is losing a child. Heartbreak can result from a thousand things in this life, but losing a son or daughter creates an unfathomable void of sorrow.
After a fight with pneumonia, Tim and Mary Smith’s 12-year-old daughter, Taylor, died on January 5, 2014, shattering their lives.
After the shock passed, Taylor’s parents started the arduous task of sorting through their daughter’s belongings.
They spotted something that would help ease their suffering among the typical collection of clothing, trinkets, books, and boxes.
According to accounts, the parents discovered a note written by their daughter to her adult self when they opened one of the boxes. Since Taylor would never be around to examine the letter, her distraught parents did it for her even though it was instructed not to be opened until 2023.
Tim and Mary found comfort in hearing Taylor’s voice once more, although in writing. They chose to post their daughter’s message online after crying again, and hundreds of thousands of people have seen it since.
Tim and Mary Smith discovered a note that said, “Only on April 13, 2023, will Taylor Smith open it! Unless otherwise stated. Together, they made the decision to read the letter before their cherished daughter’s 22nd birthday.
When Taylor’s parents opened the letter and broke the seal, they were very interested. Hot tears streamed down Taylor’s parents’ faces as they read what their daughter had to say. It was an emotional moment.
It says, “Dear Taylor”.
“How is life going? Right today, life is fairly easy compared to ten years ago. As I write this, I realize I’m late for you, but congrats on your high school graduation! Go back and try again if you didn’t. Obtain your degree! Are we (you) enrolled in college? I understand if not. After all, our logic is rather sound.
Remember that today is Allana’s eleventh birthday! Eleven already? She recently turned one in my time! However, I was on my first mission trip in Cranks, Kentucky, therefore I was unable to attend that party. I’ve only returned for six days!
How is your relationship with God, by the way? Have you recently gone to serve the Lord, studied the Bible, worshipped, or prayed? Otherwise, get up and do it right away! Do it regardless of where we are in life at the moment! For you, he was ridiculed, thrashed, tormented, and crucified! A man without sin who has never wronged you or anybody else!
Have you made any other mission trips since then? Have you already traveled abroad? What about flying?
Does Doctor Who continue to air? What regeneration, if any, did they end up with? Go watch some Doctor Who, please! You must, however, finish reading your own words of wisdom later!
Have you yet to get a place of your own? What are we majoring in if we’re enrolled in college? I want to be a lawyer right now.
Have you recently visited Dollywood? The Wild Eagle is currently their newest attraction. It is a lot of fun!
Additionally, I believe I will sell my iPad and purchase an iPad mini. Remember to let your children know that we are older than the tablet! I’ve included a drawing of an iPad as well, so you can show them.
I believe that’s all. But keep in mind that I wrote this ten years ago. Both good and horrible things have happened. You have to accept that this is the way life is. Regards, Smith, Taylor”
As previously mentioned, Internet users responded favorably to Taylor’s letter, which was opened post-mortem, offering Tim and Mary support and sympathy.
When they discovered this letter, I can only image the range of emotions they must have had! If you were in their shoes, how would you have responded?
