Doctor Asks Terminally Ill Children What Truly Matters in Life...Their Answers Are Incredibly Wise

The Guardian

"I asked some of my terminally pediatric patients what they had enjoyed in life and what gave it meaning...Kids can be so wise."

Children can often be unbelievably wise beyond their years.

Dr. Alastair McAlpine has seen negativity in the world wherever he turned. That's how he decided to tweet some of the wisdom he has learned from his terminally ill patients. These children were all between four and nine years old, but they were still able to pinpoint precisely what it is that makes life worth living for them. Their answers will surprise you.

Dr. McAlpine is a palliative care physician in Cape Town, S. Africa, who eases the pain of kids who are dying. The medicine he practices isn't intended to cure their ailments, but to make them more comfortable and joyful.

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His thread about this informal survey of what truly matters (and what doesn't matter at all) in life went viral, and with good reason. These children's replies are heartbreaking but equally wise. By reading them, we could all learn a thing or two concerning the simple pleasures that make our life worth living.

1. No one wishes they would spend more time online. First, NONE said they wished they'd watched more TV. NONE said they should've spent more time on Face Book. NONE said they enjoyed fighting with others. NONE enjoyed the hospital.
2. Animals make human lives better. MANY mentioned their pets: "I love Rufus, his funny bark makes me laugh." "I love when Ginny snuggles up to me at night and purrs." "I was happiest riding Jake on the beach."
3. They love their parents. MANY mentioned their parents, often expressing worry or concern: "Hope mum will be ok. She seems sad." "Dad mustn't worry. He'll see me again soon." "G-d will take care of my mum and dad when I'm gone."
4. Ice Cream, duh. ALL of them loved ice cream.
5. Reading makes a big difference. ALL of them loved books or being told stories, especially by their parents: "Harry Potter made me feel brave." "I love stories in space!" "I want to be a great detective like Sherlock Holmes when I'm better!" FOLKS, read to your kids! They love it.
6. Worrying is a waste of time. MANY wished they had spent less time worrying about what others thought of them, and valued people who just treated them 'normally'. "My real friends didn't care when my hair fell out." "Jane came to visit after the surgery and didn't even notice the scar!"
7. Everybody loves the beach! MANY of them loved swimming, and the beach. "I made big sandcastles!" "Being in the sea with the waves was so exciting! My eyes didn't even hurt!"
8. Kindness matters. Almost ALL of them valued kindness about most other virtues: "My granny is so kind to me. She always makes me smile." "Johnny gave me half his sandwich when I didn't eat mine. That was nice." "I like it when that kind nurse is here. She's gentle. And it hurts less."
9. Laughter is the best medicine. Almost ALL of them loved people who made them laugh: "That magician is so silly! His pants fell down and I couldn't stop laughing!" "My daddy pulls funny faces which I just love!" "The boy in the next bed farted! Hahaha!" Laughter relieves pain.
10. Children love their toys. Kids love their toys, and their superheroes. "My Princess Sophia doll is my favourite!" "I love Batman!" (All the boys love Batman) "I like cuddling my teddy."
11. Family time is the best time. Finally, they ALL valued time with their family. Nothing was more important. "Mum and dad are the best!" "My sister always hugs me tight." "No one loves me like mummy loves me!"

Dr. McAlpine wrapped up his thread with one last important recap:
Take home message: Be kind. Read more books. Spend time with your family. Crack jokes. Go to the beach. Hug your dog. Tell that special person you love them. 
These are the things these kids wished they could've done more. The rest is details.

Oh....and eat ice-cream.

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As much as we can all agree that it is "the little things" that make life glorious, it is unbelievable to hear these thoughts conveyed by kids who are nearing the end of their time on Earth. Let's all use their wisdom as a reminder to devote ourselves to our family with all our hearts because in the end, only the love we give and receive matters.