Young father holds newborn son for first and last time after viral infection gives him just days to live

There's nothing more amazing than holding your baby for the first time but, in this case, it was particularly miraculous…

baby

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Josh, 24, was looking forward to becoming a father for the first time with his new wife Erica. And the happy dad looked utterly content as he cradled his baby son in his arms for the first time - but, devastatingly, his first time was also the last.

Because, due to an infection that rapidly spread through his body in a matter of weeks, Josh died the day after his son was born.

His mother, speaking with KSL News (an American publication), explained that the symptoms came on suddenly, as Josh was spending Thanksgiving with his family.

"Saturday afternoon, he got a headache and started throwing up and was just sick."

Josh cradling his newborn son in his arms (KFL News)
Josh cradling his newborn son in his arms (KFL News)

On 6th of December, Josh went to the emergency room, where doctors discovered he had a treatable staph infection.

"It took a few days until they traced that to a valve in his heart."

Doctors performed surgery on Josh just three days later, replacing the infected valve, and Josh's recovery seemed extremely promising.

"He was improving, and they were quite pleased," Jodi said.

In fact Josh was even strong enough to be with his wife when their son, Logan, was born at the same hospital. And the look on his face as he cradled his newborn son in his arms was pure love.

Josh and Logan (KFL News)

But the joys of parenthood were short-lived. That same day, Josh got a headache and was given a CT scan; while the scan was taking place, he lost consciousness and he never woke up.

Speaking to Deseret News, Jodi emotionally revealed: "They wheeled him out of the room, and he said, 'Back in a minute'… They announced over the intercom and I heard 'code blue.' The nurse ran in and said, 'You better go in there. I'm sure it's Josh.' He had coded on the CT table."

"Josh never regained consciousness. It was obvious that no matter what they did, it was irreversible. If he did live, it wouldn't be the Josh that we knew."

His family, gathered around his bedside, made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support - but, while Josh is gone, they are left with wonderful memories of the young father.

"He exemplified who he was to the very end of his life. Every nurse that came in or tech that came in to take care of him — whether they poked him or drew blood — he called them by name… And he always thanked them."

Josh loved married life with Erica (KFL News)

A fundraising effort has been set up for the young family on the website Give Forward. More than $24,000 had already been raised as of Saturday night.

"It's not so overwhelming as it is awe-inspiring and inspirational," Jodi said.

She's also grateful her son was able to hold his son, for the first time — which also ended up being his last.

"It was a miracle," she said.

Erica, Josh Robison's wife, has since released the following statement:

"This is without question the most difficult experience of my life, but it has warmed my heart to be so overwhelmed with love and support from friends and strangers alike. I see so many people wanting to serve in so many ways.

"The financial support will help ensure that Logan will get an education and everything else he needs, but what will really bless and heal our hearts is the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and messages of love. We are so thankful."

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