Most of us have become accustomed to family members going into the hospital. Although it is not something that we consider to be pleasant, we often understand that it is the best place for them to be. It really changes, however, when a child is involved. When that type of a situation happens to a family, it can change them on a very deep level. It also tends to make them think about what is most important in life.
Children also have the ability and the desire to think about life and they often look forward to a long life with their friends and family. When a child is terminally ill, however, it seems as if they think about the situation even more. That is what Dr. Alastair McAlpine saw in the children he cared for. He recognized that there were a lot of negative things going on in the world but when he asked these children what made life worth living, the answers that they provided were quite insightful and very touching.
Dr. McAlpine is a palliative care physician in Cape Town, South Africa. He helps his young patients who are dying so that they feel more comfortable and have the most dignified final days that are possible. He doesn’t treat the patients to cure them, he just makes their last days more bearable.
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.zzzzz Here are some of the responses (Thread).
— Alastair McAlpine (@AlastairMcA30) February 1, 2018
He posted what the children said on twitter and it went viral. When you read down through the children’s replies, you will see exactly why they have gained such a wide popularity online. Not only will they touch your heart, they may even teach you a little about how to look at life as well.
1. Nobody wishes they spent more time on electronics
2. Animals are good for the heart
3. They love their parents
4. They love ice cream
5. They love reading books or having books read to them
6. They wish they wouldn’t worry so much
7. The beach is a very popular place
8. They value kindness
9. Laughter is always the best medicine
10. They value their toys
11. They value family time
The thread was completed with one final recap:
We can all agree that it really is the little things in life that mean a lot. If we stop to think about it, we can all appreciate and agree with what these wonderful children had to say.
