From Robert's Caring Bridge site a few days before he died -

Yesterday morning, Robert got up with a nose bleed and it continued into the afternoon even after morning bloodwork showed no transfusion was needed. Fever went up and down all day. Afternoon bloodwork was completed and it came back that his platelets were crashing quickly, though not enough for a platelet transfusion. Robert was allowed to go home on a pass late yesterday afternoon pending return within a certain time limitation or until he wanted or needed to return. After we got home, he had several of his friends come and visit that hadn't been able to visit here at the hospital.

Our pass was contingent on how Robert was feeling and how he did and what he wanted. He got to sleep on his posturepedic mattress (thanks Aunt Robbie). He got to play XBox and he got to be home. Daddy Robert and I did not sleep (almost like new parents don't sleep when they bring the new baby home). Robert fell asleep about midnight and slept until around 2am. He got up and his nose was still bleeding and his gums started oozing. We had put a walkie talkie with "talk" button turned on. It lasted for about 3 hours.

At 3am, he told me he was ready to come back to the hospital and I got things rounded up. I called Papaw to bring back the van and arrived at the hospital about 4:45 this morning. We walked in the door and he started vomiting. Our nurse was prepared. She walked in right behind us with pleny of anti-nausea, pain and anti-vomiting medicine. Papaw stayed awake while I tried to sleep. It was after 9am before I got to go to sleep. I had encouraged Daddy Robert to stay at home and get some sleep and come later because someone would need energy.

By this morning, his blood work had crashed. He had to have another 2 units of blood and 2 units of platelets. This time the bloodwork held for 2 days. We did have the "no visitors" sign put up. I hadn't had any sleep and I needed some. I think I got about 2 1/2 hours this morning. About 11:30am, the Hot Rods mascot, Axle, and two of the team players and the HR manager showed up for a special visit. They brought Robert a game ball, an autographed ball, a miniature stadium replica, a hat and a shirt. It was a really cool time. Between Robert, Axle and Papaw, I'm not sure who was having more fun picking at each other. Guys and Axle please know that you made Robert's day. He loves to aggrevate and crack a joke. So, needless to say, all the aggrevating and jokes that were going on in this room today made Robert's day. THANK YOU HOT RODS and Kathy!!!!

Tonight, Robert's fever has required us to pack him in ice. Aunt Amy and Aunt Wendy are here with me tonight. Robert seems to keep me in radar and if I even head to the potty, he knows I have left the room. His wounds are hurting and the doctors are managing it with pain control. Please, please-- if you try to call or text and we don't respond, know that we have seen the contact. I have spent quite a bit of time in the bed laying with him. Doctors and nurses are in and out all the time. I HAVE TRIED to text everyone back. I keep my ringer off because the medicine is making Robert's ears sensitive. Most of the time he tells people in the room to "hush!!" I try to look at my phone every-so-often and try to update when I can. Sometimes, there are points where it is not feasible at all. I know that several have contacted media and they generally know what everyone else knows.

Please continue to remember us in prayer, OUR WHOLE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. And, please remember Missy Johnson's mom. She is also fighting the ugly monster.

Garry Mason, I need to talk to you and will be contacting you in the next day or so, so be expecting it.

With our love and thanks for the many prayers,
Kim and the C Crew and the crazy basketball guy

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. Psalms 4:6.