His name is Jackson and his father uploaded this magic moment for all of us to see. I am so grateful to Mark Blitch for sharing such an intimate, profound experience with his son.

The song is called “Say Something” by “A Great Big World” featuring Christina Aguilera. It’s a smash hit, with nearly 50 million views on YouTube.

I can’t begin to explain my response to this recent viral video. And earning over 3 million views in just a couple of weeks, it’s clear I’m not alone. What sends me spinning is the sense that Jackson seems to completely understand the pain of a breakup, loss, or lovers’ standoff. How can this possibly be? But watch how he responds to the words – as if they hurt – as if they mean something personal, deep – as if he too had experienced this kind of anguish at some point in his short time on earth.

When his father asks if he should turn off the song – Jackson replies,”No.” You can almost hear him say, “I have to feel this.” To me, it’s proof again that art – like the song – can magically reach a place so deep in our souls that age and  experience just don’t matter.

Jackson Blitch just might be the youngest teacher to show us that art is the purest, most fundamental way to connect hearts.