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.
Just men things
Ever wondered why the sound coming from the toilet varies depending on where men aim? It might seem like a trivial topic, but trust me, there’s an unspoken science behind it. The image above humorously captures a common yet rarely discussed phenomenon—how men instinctively adjust their bathroom technique to control the acoustics of their, well… business.
The Mystery of the Bathroom Sound Effects
Every man, whether consciously or subconsciously, knows the two sound modes of peeing:
- Loud Mode (High Volume) – When hitting the water directly.
- Silent Mode (Mute) – When aiming for the side of the toilet bowl.
The difference? It’s all about impact and surface area.
- When urine splashes directly into the water, it creates a distinct, loud sound—a signal to the world that a man is proudly relieving himself.
- When he strategically aims for the bowl’s side, the liquid flows smoothly down, reducing the noise.
And yes, most men instinctively switch between these modes depending on where they are, who’s around, or even their mood.
Why Do Men Care About Toilet Acoustics?
You might be thinking, “Why does this even matter?” Well, here’s why men unconsciously choose their “volume setting” while using the toilet.
1. The Stealth Mode: Keeping It Quiet
Ever found yourself in a quiet house in the middle of the night? Maybe you’ve woken up at 3 AM, needing to pee but not wanting to wake up the entire family. This is where silent mode comes into play.
- Aiming at the side of the bowl keeps things discreet.
- No awkward moments when someone hears you blasting a waterfall at ungodly hours.
- A smoother experience overall, especially in public or shared restrooms.
2. The Power Move: Making a Statement
On the flip side, sometimes men go full volume mode, making sure everyone within a 10-foot radius knows they’re handling business. Why?
- It’s a dominance thing—a way of asserting presence in the restroom.
- Some men simply don’t care and go for maximum efficiency.
- Others do it unknowingly, not realizing they could mute the performance.
The Psychology Behind Toilet Targeting
Believe it or not, the habit of adjusting aim isn’t just random—it’s psychological.
- Hitting the Water (Loud Mode): Feels direct, fast, and confident. Some even say it’s satisfying to hear the sound and know they’re “on target.”
- Aiming for the Sides (Silent Mode): Feels discreet, respectful, and considerate—especially in shared spaces.
Most men naturally alternate between both, depending on the situation.
How Environment Affects Aim Choices
Different settings influence whether men go full volume or whisper mode. Here’s a breakdown:
At Home: The Gentle Approach
- Most men reduce noise at home, especially if they live with family or a partner.
- Late-night bathroom trips? Silent mode to avoid waking anyone.
- Some may even sit down to pee to prevent unnecessary noise altogether.
At Work: The Public Restroom Strategy
- Office bathrooms mean one thing: tactical precision.
- Nobody wants their coworkers knowing their exact bathroom habits.
- Men tend to aim for the bowl sides to maintain professional bathroom etiquette.
In a Public Restroom: The Alpha Move
- If the restroom is busy, most men don’t hold back—it’s all about speed and efficiency.
- Loud mode is often default since no one really cares.
- But if someone’s in the next stall, there’s a slight urge to be more discreet.
At a Friend’s House: The Ultimate Dilemma
- The pressure is real—too loud, and you might get judged.
- Most guys will opt for silent mode to avoid embarrassment.
- Exception: If it’s a guys-only gathering, there’s a good chance nobody cares.
The Ultimate Hack: Controlling the Sound Like a Pro
For men who want absolute control over their bathroom acoustics, here’s a pro tip:
Start with the side of the bowl to reduce noise, then transition to the water midstream if needed. This method allows for both stealth and satisfaction.
Bonus tip: Standing too close increases splash-back; standing too far creates more noise. Finding the perfect middle ground is key.
Why This Is a Universal Male Experience
If you’re a guy, this probably resonates with you on a deep level—even if you’ve never thought about it before. It’s one of those unspoken “man things” that just exist.
And if you’re not a guy? Well, consider this an insight into the mind of men when it comes to something as simple as peeing.
Final Thoughts: The Humor in Everyday Habits
This topic might seem ridiculous at first, but it’s a real part of male behavior that no one talks about. Whether it’s controlling the noise level, adjusting aim based on the setting, or even treating it like an unofficial game of precision, men instinctively think about this every time they step into a restroom.
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