Musician Chris Picco lost his wife and newborn son within days of each other.
On Nov. 9, 30-year-old Ashley Picco passed away during an emergency cesarean section at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California. The baby, who was later named Lennon James Picco, survived the procedure, but was born several months premature.
As Lennon lay in the NICU holding on to life, his father sang a beautiful rendition of the Beatles' "Blackbird." Family friend K.C. Hohensee posted the video of Chris singing, and wrote in the description that “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.”
On Nov. 12, Chris posted to Ashley's memorial page that Lennon had died.
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.