This is gut-wrenching but so sweet, and a reminder to be thankful for every day we have with everyone we love. When I was a newspaper reporter, I met many children with terminal illnesses. They are often stunningly kind and brave, and my prayers are with the family of this sweet girl:

On Saturday night, thousands gathered outside her home in eastern Pennsylvania to fulfill her wish for a huge holiday singalong. The crowd cycled through holiday favorites such as “Frosty the Snowman,” ”Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells” and ended with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to the girl, who turned 8 on Friday, The Reading Eagle reported.

Shortly after the caroling began, the family’s Facebook page showed a picture of Delaney giving two thumbs up with the text, “I can hear you now!!! Love you!”

Delaney passed away Christmas Day after her battle with a rare form of leukemia.