My name is Robert Campbell Jr, son to a wonderful mother and father by the names of Tamara Campbell and, of course, Robert Campbell Sr. Two wonderful parents who have truly strived for most of their lives to raise their four children well and help raise their eight grandchildren.

I cannot begin this story without emphasizing how proud I am to call myself one of the children of these two hard-working, kind souls. They didn't just work to be good parents and grandparents, but to be role models their children could look up to. In my hometown of Enterprise in the state of Alabama, it seemed everyone I met had something kind to say about them. And if they had it their way, that's where they would've retired, able to focus on being grandparents and all the joy that brings.

Unfortunately, the fact that I am posting this now no doubt tells you things have not gone well for them.

My mother and father both wear the years of hard work on their bodies. My father Robert is a Navy veteran who worked as a simulator technician on a military base even after his service ended. And my mother, Tamara, was a waitress for decades before becoming a small business owner, only for her health to catch up to her and force her out of the workforce.

My mother and father both are proof that love and family can get you through almost any hardship, whether it be hospitalizations, hurricanes, or the same pandemic that anyone reading this no doubt remembers. But when a workforce change swept through my father's workplace, it was something that upended a 35+ year career and forced things to change. Leaving their home and beloved family behind in pursuit of employment, Robert and Tamara drove over two thousand harrowing miles of automotive problems with nothing but what they could fit into a camper for a 2000-mile drive to Robert's new job.

Thus, they found themselves in Las Vegas with only each other and their two dogs, and the love and support of all of us back in Alabama could provide from afar.

Unfortunately, trouble followed them.

Costly car troubles from the long drive were soon followed by a car accident that left my mother afraid to drive.

Debts from the period of joblessness made these burdens harder, as my mother's health worsened. Until finally, a rush to the emergency room revealed her heart was struggling through several blockages.

As her son, I can scarcely describe the fear that filled the hearts of her family and friends as she went in for heart surgery to bypass the blockages, and of the short-lived relief that followed. It seemed she was recovering well, and the hospital released her after only a week.

Within two days, she collapsed.

My father begged her to hold on as he gave her CPR until the paramedics could arrive, with her heart faltering three more times on the way there. While the amazing nurses and doctors here in Las Vegas were able to save her life at the time, this is where I'm sad to say that eventually, after a month of being in a coma, my mother suddenly passed away just as we'd all believed the worst had passed on the 9th of march. She did so with her husband's hand holding hers, with the words of loved ones in her ears, and I can only hope she felt at peace knowing the love of those around her and across the country. This year, Tamara and Robert shared their 34th anniversary in the hospital, and the 16th of march would've been her 62nd birthday, just a week away from the date of her passing.

But unfortunately, as so many know, the passing of someone so beloved brings on many problems. Medical bills, funeral expenses, along with the cost to return her home from Las Vegas to her family in Alabama are all weighing down now upon her husband and children, and it is with a heavy heart that I ask for the help of those of you reading this.

The kindness of strangers may be what helps us through this, and give my father financial relief so he can focus on mourning the love of his life with me, my siblings, and their wonderful families, rather than worry about the looming bills and expenses already mounting.

I cannot tell you how proud I am of her. A grandmother who, at 60 years old, graduated alongside her own son with an associate's degree.

A dedicated wife who dabbled in art and harbored dreams of retiring alongside her husband to focus on it.

And now a woman who has passed on, whose last conscious words to her husband were, "Please, just lay down with me," in what she no doubt knew were her final moments.

For her memory, and for the wellbeing of my father who I am so proud of, I ask for any kindness and aid that those reading this can muster, even if it's only a kind word and a prayer.

And before I post this,I want to share one more thing I found as I gathered photos to share with you all. A painting she left lovingly tucked under her desk, and a letter to her husband written on the back of it.

"Life is short, so make many memories. I hope that we made enough happy memories to get us through the days when we can no longer do anything but think."

If nothing else, I hope that I was at least able to pass on these words of hers worth taking to heart, and that I could share a little about this outstanding woman that I am proud to say is my mother.