A heartbreaking video shows a father singing the Beatles' classic Blackbird to his dying newborn son, days after losing his wife.
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With a guitar in his hands, Chris Picco gently sings to his baby Lennon James as he lies in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California.
Chris lost his wife, Ashley Picco, after an emergency caesarean at 24 weeks. According to the description for the YouTube video, Ashley passed away in her sleep following the surgery; she was 30 years old.
The family friend who posted the video on YouTube wrote, “During the pregnancy, Ashley would often feel Lennon moving to music, so Chris asked if he could bring his guitar into the NICU and play for Lennon, which he did for several hours during the last days of Lennon's precious life.”
Days after the shocking passing of his wife, Chris posted a statement on a memorial page, revealing the tragic news about his son: “Dear friends, family, and supporters; it is with an unbelievably heavy heart that I write this. My little fighter, Lennon James Picco, went to sleep in his daddy’s arms late last night.
“He was surrounded by family, friends, and the best doctors, nurses and hospital staff in the world. He was dressed in an outfit that Ashley bought for him, with little guitars on it, and wrapped in a blanket made by a dear friend.”
Baby Lennon was just four days old.
Chris’s message continues: “I am so thankful for the four unforgettable days I got to spend with him. His mommy would have been so beyond joy to see him and to hold him, touch him, bathe him, sing to him - as I have had the privilege of doing.
“I have been so blessed and honored to love him before he was formed, to cherish him while mommy carried him, meet him face to precious face, and hold his perfect little body while we said ‘goodbye for now’.
“There are no words, but I wanted to keep you updated, as your love and support has meant more than anything in the world. All you need is love.”
The Ashley Picco Memorial Fund that was set up in Ashley and Lennon’s memory has already raised more than $81,000.
Photos by Ashley Picco Memorial Fund
