Goodbye Nick

Robert Nicholas Whitaker died at 12:34 AM.

Even though his liver was functioning at 50%, he actually died of heart failure.  The family was told at 10:45pm that he would not make it through the night. He never surfaced from the medically induced coma he had been put in to rest his organs while waiting for a 2nd liver transplant.

He was 20 years old. His parents Bill & Bit Whitaker, brother Riley (17) and little sister Kenzie (7) are deeply mourning his passing. The family has returned to Abilene to make arrangements.  They are grateful for the last 26 days that they have had to love him and they are very grateful for all the prayers and love shown to them during this time.
 
We know Nick did not want to die and he was so sorry for everything. We hope his story might make someone think twice before doing anything that could end their life.  We also hope to increase the awareness of the importance of organ donation through Nick's story.  Thanks to the generosity of another family, Nick was able to have a few good coherent days of talking to his family.  Though a few days might not mean much to some, it meant everything to Nick and his family.

Thank you Lord for giving Nick the chance to apologize to his family and to try to fight for his life.  Thank you for letting Nick hear and see that all was forgiven and that his parents loved him, no matter what. Please continue to comfort this family and soften the blow of loosing their precious "little" Nick.  He takes with him a chunk of our hearts.