Kids are often surprisingly wise for their age. But kids who are dying often have even more profound things to say, despite their young age. Just ask Alastair McAlpine.
McAlpine, a pediatrician based in South Africa, decided to ask some of his young patients what gave their lives meaning. It’s a sad but powerful exercise, and their meaningful responses just might blow you away.
For an assignment, I asked some of my terminal paediatric palliative care patients what they had enjoyed in life, and what gave it meaning. Kids can be so wise, y'know. Here are some of the responses (Thread).
— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
He took to Twitter to share some of what the kids had to say — get out the tissues, because this thread is a real, honest-to-goodness tearjerker:
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' /10— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
Technology wasn’t really a factor for most of them:
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 hospital
/1— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
Many talked about their beloved pets:
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.'
/2— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
And, sweetly, 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.'
'God will take care of my mum and dad when I'm gone'
/3— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
And they especially loved when their parents read them stories:
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. /5
— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
They made some very grown-up reflections about what really matters and what doesn’t:
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!' /6— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
They were big fans of swimming:
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!' /7— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
And they most remembered the people who showed them some bit of kindness:
Almost ALL of them valued kindness above most other virtues:
'My granny is so kind to me. She always makes me smile.'
'Jonny 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' /8— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
They loved their families, too:
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!' /11— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
McAlpine wrapped up what he learned with a few final parting thoughts:
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. /End
— Alastair McAlpine, MD ?? (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
Wow, this entire thread was truly inspiring and we applaud McAlpine for the important work he does on a daily basis. It’s amazing what these children think and feel, even in some of their darkest hours. We could all truly learn a lot from the way their little minds work, don’t you think?
What have you learned from your children, your nieces and nephews or children you have encountered in your life? Any life lessons, big or small, that have come “out of the mouths of babes,” as they say?
Let us know in the comments!
We’d love to hear from you!
