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.
This is the amazing tale of Amanda, an animal lover who stunned everyone with a gesture.
On a lonely road in the Evan’s Creek Mountains, a car spotted a scared dog. The dog was so hungry that he became really aggressive and would not let anyone touch him. The dog was later given the name Bear.
The motorist took some pictures of Bear and posted them to social media in an attempt to gather some help. Amanda decided to help Bear straight immediately after learning about him, postponing her plans.
Amanda and her friend Dylan started the hunt in the hopes of finding the dog, despite her family’s warnings not to go since it’s dangerous.
They found the dog after many hours of hunting, but Bear was understandably terrified and did not allow anyone to get close to him. They tried luring him with food, snacks, and a host of odd tactics, but it didn’t work. As night fell, Amanda and her friend had to head back home, but they returned the next day.
After a few more fruitless attempts, they devised a fresh plan to draw Bear when they found him in the same spot the following day. Amanda made the decision to “play it dead” by lying down on the ground in an attempt to convince the dog that she needed help.
A few hours after Amanda had lain still on the ground, an event occurred that won the hearts of innumerable animal lovers worldwide.
Bear assumed Amanda needed help and proceeded to scent her for twenty minutes before making contact. After a while the dog got bored and moved on, but Amanda persisted.
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After a few moments, Bear turned and sat down by Amanda, as if trying to let her know he was with her.
A few more hours later, Amanda managed to gain Bear’s trust and persuade him that his intentions were solely focused on hers. Bear went with Amanda to the car, and they headed straight to the veterinarian.
After receiving care and treatment, Bear was chosen for adoption by a family shortly after he regained his strength. The dog now has a loving family and a dwelling of his own, so he is no longer compelled to live on the streets.
Bear’s attempt to assist Amanda while she was on the ground provides insight into the character of this magnificent canine.
Naturally, for her efforts to save Bear, Amanda deserves our deepest admiration and appreciation.
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