Losing a child is the worst nightmare of any parent. There are a thousand things in this world that can lead to heartbreak, but the passing of a son or a daughter opens a dark hole of grief that is incomparable.
Tennessee couple Tim and Mary Smith’s lives were shattered when their 12-year-old daughter, Taylor, passed away on January 5, 2014 after a battle with pneumonia.
When the worst of the shock subsided, Taylor’s parents began the difficult process of going through their daughter’s things.
Amongst the usual assortment of clothes, trinkets, books and boxes, they found something that would go some way to healing them in their misery.
As per reports, the couple opened one box and found a letter that their daughter had addressed to her adult self. There was an instruction not to open the letter until 2023, but since Taylor would no longer ever be around to open it, her grieving mom and dad did it for her.
Hearing Taylor’s voice again – albeit via the written word – was consoling to Tim and Mary. After shedding new tears, they decided to share their daughter’s letter online, where hundreds of thousands of people have since read it.
The letter Tim and Mary Smith found read “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 13, 2023 ONLY! Unless said otherwise.” Together, they decided to open the letter before that date, when their beloved daughter would have turned 22.
It was with great interest that Taylor’s parents broke the seal to open the letter. It was an emotional moment, and when Taylor’s parents read what their daughter had to say, hot tears ran down their cheeks.
“Dear Taylor,” it reads.
“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“
As stated above, Taylor’s letter – opened post-mortem – was well received by people online, with internet users consoling and commiserating with Tim and Mary.
I can only imagine the mixed emotions they must have felt upon finding this letter! What would you have done in their situation?
