New father Chris Picco lost both his wife and his newborn son within a matter of days this week. But through this tragedy, he found comfort in singing the Beatles' classic "Blackbird" to his son Lennon James in the NICU of Loma Linda University Hospital in California. The video of his moving performance, which was posted by a friend of his, has now gone viral (see below).
According to his memorial website, their son wasn't due until February 2015 but was born early on Nov. 8, 2014. His mother, Ashley Picco, passed away in childbirth after an emergency C-section.
During her pregnancy, Ashley would often feel her son Lennon moving to music, so Picco asked if he could bring his guitar into the NICU to perform for his son. Although there was hope that the boy would survice, doctors were concerned about a lack of brain activity and movement, the YouTube clip explained.
Baby Lennon passed away in his father's arms on Tuesday (Nov. 11). In a post on his Facebook page, Chris called his son "my little fighter, Lennon James Picco."
"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 wrote. "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. 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."
A memorial service for Ashley and Lennon is scheduled for Saturday in Loma Linda, California. You can donate to their fund, which will help cover medical expenses and other financial challenges in the time to come, here.
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