I came in here for several reasons, one of which was pneumonia. I started the day with the intention of ending my life. I was headed to a skiff I had moored in marathon and became concerned with me being unable to breathe. The irony of wanting to add an extra hole in my head and being concerned about not breathing good may have saved my life.
I went to Fishermen's ED, our sister hospital, and broke down, explaining my suicide plan and the fact that I couldn't get enough air to push the skiff out. I was given breathing treatments, baker acted and sent to Mariners Hospital where I met nurse Sheri Dunlap. I broke down and sobbed like a child and shared my pain with her. She held my hand, listened to my pain, and never judged me or robbed me of my dignity. She gave me the strength to renew my life and keep going. Sheri always asked if I needed anything and would bring whatever I needed right away. Her strength and honesty about her own personal life situations made me a better man. I am leaving today to go to another hospital to deal with my depression and move on with my life.