FacebookWell, this is enough to get you crying for days.
This video of a man singing the Beatles' "Blackbird" to his dying infant son both left us touched and, frankly, once again gobsmacked by the indescribably tragic things that happen to perfectly lovely-seeming people sometimes.
Chris Picco's wife of seven years, Ashley Picco, died in her sleep hours after their son, Lennon James Picco, was delivered via emergency C-section at 24 weeks on Nov. 8 in Loma Linda, Calif., according to various reports. Ashley was 30.
A memorial fund was set up in Ashley's name and Chris, a Christian recording artist, kept friends and family up to date via Facebook, posting about Lennon's initial progress and sharing videos of music he would play for his son—including one in which Picco sings "Blackbird."
Sadly, Lennon died yesterday, his father having barely left his side.
"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," Chris Picco wrote on Facebook.
"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."
Words to live by, indeed.