We all raced over to the hospital once Barbra hung up the phone. I was nervous, they wouldn't tell us anything over the phone. The doctors said that they can't know the extent of his brain injury until he woke up. He may not be able to talk, walk, move, or anything.
We got to the hospital in record time. We walked into the ICU and were told to stay there in the waiting room, and the doctor would be with us soon.
Ronnie paced, and Barbra nervously bit on her nails. I said a silent prayer hoping for the best.
We were waiting five minutes when the doctor came.
"Kix sure has been shocking us all. His brain injury has slowed him down, and he has trouble talking, but he can move all his limbs, and can speak, which is a great sign. With therapy, and help he should be able to help improve it. But he won't ever be back to one-hundred percent."
"May we see him?" Asked Barbra.
"Of course, follow me."
Barbra went in alone, and we waited in the waiting room. She was there for forty-five minutes before she came back out. She said Kix wanted to see Ronnie and I.
We walked into Kix room, and he was somewhat sitting up in bed.
"Well hey there partner." Ronnie greeted our friend.
Kix smiled a tad. "Hey." his voice sounded very weak and strained.
"How do you feel?" I asked him as Ronnie and I both sat down.
"OK, I guess. I'm glad to see you two." As he spoke I could tell what the doctor was talking about. He struggled at times to get the words out. "I wanted to tell you two that I heard everything you guys said when you talked to me, I loved it. I am glad we are friends again."
"So are we. We will always be here for you, Kix." Ronnie said as he patted Kix leg.
"Ronnie and I have been talking about going back to Caesar's and performing again. I know the fans were disappointed when we didn't."
"I'll be up there in no time performing with you two." Kix said with a big smile.
"Of course you will. We can't do it without you." Ronnie said.
"I want you two to promise me something. Promise me that no matter whatever happens in our lives from now on, you two will always be friends. Never let anything get in the middle again. I want you two to promise me."
I looked at Ronnie who I could tell was tearing up, as was I. I took Kix hand. "We promise. You will be right there with us, we will be friends for as long as we are alive." Kix didn't respond, just smiled at us.
We talked briefly for about ten more minutes before we left. Ronnie and I didn't go to the waiting room right away though, we stepped into a private room, and we just cried.
I don't know why, but we both knew, and Kix knew, that this was it. That would be the last time we would see Kix alive.
Unfortunately we were right. That night Barbra called me and said Kix had a stroke, and passed shortly after.