LOMA LINDA, Calif. – A video showing a father singing the Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ to his dying newborn son after his wife died in childbirth is being watched around the world.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, Lennon James Picco was delivered by emergency C-section at 24 weeks. Hours later, Lennon’s mother, Ashley Picco, passed away in her sleep. She was 30 years old.
According to the YouTube video, Lennon’s lack of movement and brain activity was a concern for the doctors and nurses at Loma Linda University Hospital.
During Ashley’s pregnancy, she would often feel Lennon moving to music. Lennon’s dad, Chris Picco, asked if he could bring his guitar into the NICU and play for his dying son.
Several hours a day, Chris played music for Lennon during the last days of his life.
Baby Lennon passed away Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Chris wrote this Facebook post after the death of his son:
“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 spendwith 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.”
Into the light of the dark black night
There’s little hope for a 24 week fetus to live after being delivered. The question is: if they had induced Ashley Picco and aborted the fetus rather than doing a c-section, would Ashley be alive? Were the choices available to Ashley fully explored? I can’t find much about what Ashley died of. It wasn’t the section per se, but rather the condition that threatened the fetus to begin with. Could it have been pre-eclampsia? If so, inducing Ashley might have saved her life at least.
Truly heartbreaking story.