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.
Keeping Insects at Bay: Say Goodbye to Pesky Intruders in Your Home
It can be very difficult to deal with bothersome insects like flies and mosquitoes. These unwanted visitors cause inconvenience and occasionally even pose health dangers when they infiltrate our homes. Although the market is flooded with insect repellents, many of them are made with dangerous ingredients and additions. Fortunately, there are healthy and environmentally beneficial natural substitutes available.
Recognizing the Intruders
It’s critical to recognize the factors that draw insects to our houses in order to take effective precautions against them. Certain environmental variables, food, and light all attract mosquitoes and flies. They lay their eggs in a variety of locations, so it’s critical to address these problems before they develop into a serious infestation. Insects, strangely enough, are drawn to sweets, sugar, and fermented materials but not to breadcrumbs or little food remnants.
Adopting a Proactive Strategy
Keeping your house clean is the first step in preventing pest invasions. You may greatly reduce the likelihood of these unwanted visitors by removing food trash, correctly closing food packaging, and maintaining a clean environment. Thus, avoid leaving food or crumbs outside to draw their attention!
Using natural repellents is frequently the greatest option when it comes to mosquitoes because it is affordable, safe for the environment, and safe for you.
Natural Remedies at Home: An Approach
Making your own insect repellent with inexpensive, easy-to-find items is a terrific method to keep bugs away. Who knew it could be so simple to make a natural bug repellent? You may keep insects out of your kitchen and other areas of your house by combining tastes and odors that they find repulsive.
How to Make an All-Natural Bug Repellent
Rice vinegar can be used to create a natural insect repellent that works well. This repellent is simple to prepare and effective all year round. Take these easy actions:
Cut the top of a plastic bottle so that it resembles a funnel.
Pour in one cup of dish soap and shake the bottle until the mixture is well combined. Insects find the pleasant scent that humans like so strongly offensive. White wine vinegar, which has a tart and strong smell, is an alternative.
Put the bottle in your kitchen or anywhere else where there are lots of insects. After the repellent does its job, you won’t ever have to deal with flies or mosquitoes again.
Safety Advice: To prevent mishaps, always keep the container safely and out of the reach of kids and dogs.
Try this natural remedy and you’ll soon find that insects will never again dare to disturb your tranquil house. It’s time to abandon chemical-laden repellents in favor of a greener strategy. Enjoy a pest-free living environment by using natural repellents and keeping your home clean.
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