Losing a child is the most difficult thing a parent can experience. It’s simply not natural for parents to outlive their children. Healing doesn’t happen overnight and parents never really stop missing the child they lost.
Each parent who’s lost a child grieves in their own way. Some take time off of work, some travel or reconnect with family and friends. Some reflect on the tragedy in the hopes of gleaning something positive from the pain.
That’s exactly what a dad from England named Richard Pringle did. A year after losing his 3-year-old son Hughie to a brain disorder, he took to Facebook and wrote down the ten most important lessons he learned since losing his son. Though his insights come from loss, all parents can be inspired by it, as it emphasizes what’s truly important as a parent.
Throughout his post, which has been shared 7,300 times since it was posted on August 23, he talks about how he learned to be more present with his kids; to make time for them and to lessen the distractions and anxieties of life. Pringle has two other children, Hettie and Hennie.
“You can never ever kiss and love too much,” he began.
“You always have time,” he continued. “Stop what you’re doing and play, even if it’s just for a minute. Nothing’s that important that can’t wait.”
“Don’t spend money. Spend time.”
“Cherish the simplest of things.”
“Make boring things fun.”
“Always kiss those you love goodbye. You never know if it’s the last time you’ll get the chance.”
You never know how much time you have left with the ones you love, learned Richard, so make sure not to take any moment for granted.
READ: Losing a child – What it’s like and how to deal with the loss