Young girl writes heartbreaking letter to her future self before her tragic death

When Taylor Smith tragically passed away in January from complications relating to a bout of pneumonia, the 13-year-old had left a surprise for her family.

Parents Mary Ellen and Tim were going through their daughter’s things when they found an envelope reading: "To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 13, 2023 only unless said otherwise."

Taylor had penned a letter to her future self with the aim of it being opened when she was aged 22.

Her parents were so moved by the letter that they decided to share it on Facebook as a tribute to their late daughter.

The letter reads: “Dear Taylor, How’s life? Life is pretty simple 10 years in your past.

"Congratulations on graduating high school, if you didn’t, go back and keep trying, get that degree…Do you have your own place yet? If we’re in college what are we majoring in? Right now I want to be a lawyer.”

"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!

"Have you been to Dollywood recently? Right now, their newest attraction is the Wild Eagle. It's so fun!

“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.”

Taylor’s dad told NBC that he wanted others to be reminded of how precious life is and to make time for their loved ones.

He said: "I just want people to know just what an awesome, awesome person she was." Taylor's mother added: "[We've got] letters from lots of parents who've said it's encouraged them to love their kids and love each other.

“I can’t physically resurrect her, I can’t bring her back, but I’m so grateful people have been inspired by her story."

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