Who could look at the cherubic face of little Bailon Johnson on today’s front page and not feel anything but endless compassion for his family?

Who could hear of Bailon’s final word – “Daddy” – as he lay in his father’s arms and not want to cry for a year?

Since his passing on Tuesday, a torrent of grief, empathy and goodwill has flowed from the Tamworth community and beyond.

Many who never met Bailon have shed a tear or shared a prayer for his family.

Others have dug into their pockets and donated to a fundraising appeal.

NRL team South Sydney, a team that provided so much joy in Bailon’s short life, has even vowed to wear black armbands in tonight’s NRL qualifying final to honour him.

Isaac Luke, one of Bailon’s favourite players, will scrawl the boy’s name on his wrist and use it as inspiration during the match.

And while nothing can bring him back or erase the mental scars of Bailon’s tragic battle with neuroblastoma, the outpouring of emotion has been felt by the people hurting most.

At a time of unimaginable grief, Bailon’s parents Randy and Renee have still managed to express their appreciation for the tsunami of support, yesterday telling The Leader they were “absolutely overwhelmed” at the generosity of spirit.

It shows us inspiration can sprout from life’s most desolate places.

And it shows us that a genuinely strong community wields an extraordinary power to heal.

Profound tragedy could befall any one of us, just like it has the Johnson family.

But we can all take heart knowing that if it does, this collective family called a community will be right there to help us up again.