Tomorrow will be 6 months since the day my sister attempted to take her own life by cutting her trachea and femoral artery. As a nurse herself, she knew what to do. I got the call to immediately go to Chippenham Hospital. The whole trauma department was amazing. I want to acknowledge every single person there, but this story is about one specific nurse. 

I met this nurse when my sister was moved to a new unit. There was something about her, I knew immediately we were in amazing hands. She was calm, warm, and immediately bonded with us. She listened without judgment and made us all feel safe. 

She quickly recognized that my sister, although unable to speak, did not want her husband in the room. Her husband had been verbally abusing my sister and was part of the reason she attempted suicide. She spent time observing the situation and helped me get all the hospital resources I needed to remove him from the situation. She helped my sister find her voice, provided us all with support, and also the medical care that was above and beyond. 

She also shared her story with us, and that gave us the hope that things would be ok. She checked in on us on her own time. She sang “Pink Pony Club” with me when I needed a pick-me-up! She cared for me when I could barely make it through the day, and she inspired me to pick myself up. 

Erin SAVED my sister. My sister is in the process of divorce, lives with me, and is rebuilding her life. I love Erin. I think of her every day. I have my sister because of her. I made it through because of her. I am forever grateful to Erin.