For the last 24 hours all anyone has been talking about is Kim Kardashian’s naked body. It seems to have engulfed the Internet and flooded all of our news feeds. But if you need one thing to put into perspective what really matters in life — and how precious every moment we have is — it’s this video.
Chris Picco of California lost his wife, Ashley, when she passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Ashley was carrying their unborn son, who was born at just 24 weeks via emergency caesarean and passed away four days after his birth. Prior to the loss of his son, whom they named Lennon, Chris was recorded singing the Beatles’ classic, “Blackbird,” next to the baby’s incubator — a video that has quickly gone viral. And for good reason. There are few things as moving and impossibly heartbreaking as watching a father say goodbye to his child.
According to the YouTube description by K.C. Hohensee, who posted the video:
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. One day after filming this, Lennon went to sleep in his daddy’s arms.
Since the passing of Ashley and Lennon, the Ashley Picco Memorial Fund was established to help absorb some of the family’s medical bills. To date, it has raised over $71,000. Chris has since released a moving statement:
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.
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.
Our thoughts are with Chris and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Image courtesy of Facebook via Chris Picco