A Pediatrician Asks Terminally Ill Kids What’s Important in Life, and Their Answers Are Beautiful

Dr. Alastair McAlpine works in what has to be one of the saddest jobs in medicine – he takes care of dying children. But though it must be emotionally devastating, it’s also one of those experiences that really puts everything in perspective. Not long ago, Dr. McApline posted on Twitter about the wisdom kids have, which he discovered when he gave some of his terminally ill patients an assignment: talk about what they enjoyed in life and what gives life meaning.

What followed was a Twitter thread that went viral for good reason: we should all embrace the advice these young kids gave, even if we are way past our childhoods.

Because the children focused on what is important in life: family, friends, and the things that make us happy.

And, of course, ice cream.

They also suggested that we should spend less time focusing on what people think about us and that we need to embrace our true friends.

Having fun and being kind were recurring themes.

And we all know that laughter is crucial in life.

Family reigned supreme in the minds of these children.

McAlpine had one final message for the people who read his tweets.

Remember all of these tips next time you’re feeling down and out about the way things are going. Focus on the positive and ENJOY YOUR LIFE!