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.
Doctor discusses the dangers of kissing someone who passed away and the health risks it can create
When we lose someone close, we feel overwhelmed. Sadness and grief settle in our heart and the thought of never seeing that person again can be unbearable.
However, despite these feelings and the urge to kiss the person whom we lost, a doctor from Moldova, Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, shares the risks associated with kissing someone deceased. His video, in which he discusses this highly sensitive topic, has caused a widespread discussion and debate on social media.
According to him, around nine hours after someone dies, the body starts to decompose, a natural process during which bacteria from the decomposing tissues start to surface.
These bacteria can pose health risks to individuals who come into contact with the body, particularly through kissing.
He says he’s perfectly aware that this practice is seen as a final farewell and sort of respect towards the deceased person, but he believes people should be aware of the risk they put themselves into by unknowingly expose themselves to harmful pathogens.
As expected, people’s opinions were divided.
“I kissed my father and would do it again, no matter the risk! He is my father!” one person commented. Others, however, appreciated his advice and wrote they would reconsider their decision of kissing someone who has died as a final goodbye no matter the emotional connection they had with the deceased.
Dr. Ivanovik emphasized the issue of one’s sense of smell being affected if kissing someone who passed away.
The body’s decomposition can produce an unpleasant odor that might remain in one’s memory longer than expected. Some people report a significant change in their sense of smell and taste after such an act, adding another layer of complexity to the already emotional farewell experience.
“Honestly, I don’t think anyone can resist not kissing their parent on the hand or forehead one last time. I kissed my father’s hand for the last time,” a follower commented.
What are your thoughts on this?
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