Sarah Einsig, RN

One evening, when my daughter and I were leaving my wife’s room at York Hospital, our hearts were heavy. We did not know if she would be there the next day.

I had just gone to bed a little after midnight when the phone rang. I answered it, and a nurse named Sarah told me she didn’t believe my wife would make it through the night, explaining that her breathing rate is declining. She asked if I wanted to come out. I told her my daughter, and I spent most of the day with her, reading, singing, and talking to her. We touched, hugged, and kissed her. I said I guess I will wait for the second call. Sarah asked if I would like to talk to my wife, she said she would put her phone right at her ear, and I could talk as long as I wanted. I started talking, calling out Honey, the name all her family and friends used instead of her actual name. I told her I love her so much. I can’t remember it all, I said goodbye, I’ll see you soon, and hung up. In that instant, I started dressing. I decided to go to her as quickly as I could, but the phone rang. I picked it up, and it was Sarah. She said my wife passed just after she heard my voice. I thanked her and continued dressing.

I drove to the hospital as quickly as I could. Walking toward my wife’s room, there was Sarah to greet me. She had told me she doesn’t want anyone to die alone. If a person cannot sit with them, at least someone will be in their line of sight.

My wife had passed, but I went in to sit with her vacant body. I knew she was with her Savior and Lord. Sarah also came in. She asked about my wife, about our life. The tears came, but so did beautiful memories.

I felt much better than when I answered the phone the second time. Sarah was the right nurse, at the right time in my wife’s life and death. I am so thankful I came back to the hospital, even though my wife had passed. Sarah’s love and compassion helped strengthen me to overcome my profound sorrow. Thank you, Sarah.