Dad lists the most important things he's learned since losing his son, and we're broken

Parents are not meant to out live their children, but unfortunately it can happen. 

Grieving for a loved one is far from an easy task, grieving for your son or daughter is excruciating. 

Dad-of-three, Richard Pringle, has spoken out on his loss following the passing of his son Hughie last year. 

Hughie suffered from a rare brain condition, and his dad has listed a number of lessons he has learned since his son left this world. 

Richard's lessons are not just for parents who have had to say goodbye, it's for all parents, because there's a lot we can all learn from the heartbroken father. 

We are easily caught up in the mundane everyday and sometimes forget to appreciate the simple things in our family life, but it's time we sit back and listen up, because the mundane doesn't create memories, we do. 

Richard writes: "You can never ever kiss and love too much. You always have time. Stop what you're doing and play, even if it's just for a minute. Nothing's that important that it can't wait." 

"Take as many photos and record as many videos as humanly possible. One day that might be all you have."

What hits us hard is the revelation we hear quite often but never pay too much attention to; it doesn't matter what you buy your children it's what you do with them that matters. 

"Don't spend money, spend time. […] I can't remember what we bought Hughie I can only remember what we did."

"Sing songs together. My happiest memories are of Hughie sitting on my shoulders or sitting next to me in the car singing our favourite songs. Memories are created in music."

Richard wants every parent to keep a journal, a keepsake of the little things your child does, the funny and cute things, so you can cherish every moment. 

"Cherish the simplest of things. Night times, bedtimes, reading stories. Dinners together. Lazy Sundays. Cherish the simplest of times. They are what I miss the most. Don't let those special times pass you by unnoticed."

Moreover, make the boring things fun, shopping trips, car journeys. Always kiss your loved ones goodbye: "Life is too short not to have fun."

Signing off, Richard concludes: "If you have your children with you. To kiss goodnight. To have breakfast with. To walk to school. To take to university. To watch get married. You are blessed. Never ever forget that."

This raw and emotional post has hit us hard, and we'll definitely be taking these points on board with our family.