A week ago, a sweet 12-year-old girl succumbed to pneumonia and her inconsolable parents were left to grieve her sudden and completely unexpected death. As Taylor Smith's parents started going through her things, they found a letter she'd written to her future self, which brought a little comfort amid so much heartache. That's because the letter's content exemplifies the kind of girl she was. One with "the wisdom of an adult but the faith of a child," according to her father.
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The letter was clearly marked "confidential" and with the instructions to be opened only by Taylor Smith on April 23, 2023. But she added the line "unless said otherwise" underneath and her parents felt that gave them the go-ahead to open it and read it. I can't help but wonder what they thought they'd find inside, but I'm sure they are thrilled to have a tangible keepsake of their obviously amazing daughter.
Taylor wrote the letter to her future 22-year-old self and asked if the things she was planning in 2013 had become a reality in 2023–things such as going on mission trips around the world, going to college (she wanted to be a lawyer), and visiting Dollywood. She also asked about her faith and her relationship with God, whether the TV show Doctor Who was still on and drew a picture of an iPad.
But the part of the letter that struck me the most and the one that proves this pre-teen was definitely wise beyond her years is at the very end: "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."
If only we all saw life the same way!
Image via Today.com
