Video: A dad sings to his dying newborn son

A heartbreaking video of a father singing a Beatles tune to his dying newborn son is being shared around the world.

The tender video features Chris Picco singing "Blackbird" to his son, Lennon. Picco's 30-year-old wife Ashley passed away in her sleep after an emergency C-section on November 8 at California’s Loma Linda University Hospital. After his wife's sudden death, Chris brought his guitar to the NICU to serenade Lennon. He told reporters that Ashley told him their son would often move around in the womb when they played music.

Lennon was due in February and passed away in his father’s arms after four days. Chris updated his Facebook with this moving message on Wednesday, November 12th:

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.

Ashley was a nurse at Garden Pediatrics in California. The office has set up a memorial for Ashley and her baby to help Chris with his expenses. Donations have already reached more than $100,000. The YouTube video has had five and half million views and continues to be shared.

I hope that the loving memories of Ashley and the few days Chris had with his tiny baby help ease the pain of his tremendous loss.

All you need is love.

Emma Waverman is a writer, blogger and mom to three kids. She has many opinions, some of them are fit to print. Read more of her articles here and follow her on Twitter @emmawaverman.