We’ve shared a lot recently about the inspiring stories of people within the greater Lighthouse International community, but recently we stumbled across an article which moved us so intensely that we felt absolutely compelled to share.
You may have caught it already as the video went viral with around 13 million views, but wow, check it out again even if you have already. If not, phew… I’m pretty certain it will move you too…
Also read the end of today’s post for how we can all learn to appreciate through the tough times…
This video is the story of a man called Chris Picco, he is a musician and is playing the Beatles song ‘Blackbird’ to his dying newborn child.
On the 9th November his dearest friend and wife passed away in her sleep after an emergency cesarean operation.
Chris wrote:
“It’s impossible to sum up what has happened in the last couple of days. My wife, best friend and mother of my child passed away. I
have a lifetime to grieve this unspeakable loss, but I know that right now she would want me to focus completely on baby Lennon James Picco, who survived by an emergency C-section.”
The video was recorded on 11th November, sadly just one day before his son, Lennon also passed away. Chris wrote:
“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.”
What Can We Learn From Chris’s Story?
By Adam Wallis, Associate Partner & Mentorship Coach, Lighthouse International
How did you feel watching and reading that? Deeply humbling and moving isn’t it?
1. The Power of Appreciation
One of the most humbling things Chris writes about is how thankful he was for the four days he spent with his son. At a time which really is the most devastating of his life, to still feel that appreciation, that value and that meaning through it is so touching. Sure, I have no doubt that he will find it incredibly challenging and will feel deep despair, but to be able to see at least some good through the experience, wow!
It’s something we can all learn to do more of in some way right? It’s stories like these which help to wake us up and see what we really have to be appreciative for.
If Chris, through all the turmoil can feel a sense of appreciation for what he has been going through, how much more can we be appreciative for the people, opportunities and experiences we have in our lives – for the challenges and difficulties that we face?
In fact, it’s when we learn to appreciate the tough times, rather than denying and running away from them, that we can truly take control of moving our lives forward in a positive, upbuilding and progressive way…
Appreciating and finding meaning in our challenging times can be hard, but those times can often be our greatest teachers. If you’d like to talk more about this just register to speak to a mentor on this page or get in touch with your Lighthouse Introducer.
