WASHINGTON — A man’s tragic story of how he lost his wife and sang to his
dying newborn son is tugging at heartstrings around the country — and now
people are coming to his aid.
On Nov. 8, Lennon James Picco was delivered by emergency C-section at 24 weeks
after Lennon’s mom, 30-year-old Ashely Picco, died in her sleep, according to
USA TODAY.
Lennons’ lack of movement and brain activity were a concern to the staff at
California’s Loma Linda University Hospital, according to the YouTube post.
During the pregnancy, Ashely said she would often feel Lennon move when her
husband, Chris Picco played music. After Ashley’s death, Chris got approval to
bring a guitar to the hospital and sang to his ailing newborn son.
He played music several hours a day.
The touching video of Chris singing “Blackbird” by The Beatles has been viewed
more than 5.7 million times as of Friday afternoon.
Lennon died Tuesday.
Chris posted a message on his Facebook following his newborn son’s death:
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.
A memorial fund set up to help Chris has received more than
$109,800 as of Friday — greatly exceeding the $50,000 goal set for the fund.
On the memorial page, Chris addressed his wife’s death.
“I wanted to share that the results of the examination are not complete yet,”
he wrote Thursday. “What we know is Ashley passed peacefully.”
Although grieving after the loss of his wife and child, Chris posted his
thanks on the memorial fund page.
“I can’t begin to express the gratitude that I have for each and every one of
you for your thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences,” he wrote.
“Thank you for your continued presence through this journey.”
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