Nurse's phone call alleviates daughter's stress

In the year 2005, Ashley Ludlow found herself in a heart-wrenching situation. Hurricane Katrina had made it impossible for her to travel to Florida to be with her mother, Judy, who was battling mental health challenges. Tragically, Judy attempted suicide, and was found unconscious, eventually being taken to a hospital and put on life support.

During this difficult time, Ashley, who had power of attorney for her mother, made the agonising decision to ask for a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. This decision weighed heavily on her, and she felt overwhelming guilt.

However, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of an anonymous hero. A male nurse working in the ICU at the hospital where Judy was, called Ashley days later to ease her burden and confirm that the decision to ask for a DNR order was the right one. Although the identity of this unknown person has not been publicly disclosed, Ashley remembers the call vividly and the comfort it brought her.

Judy passed away a few days after the call, and Ashley thinks about her unsung hero often. The male nurse's kindness left a lasting impression on her, and she considers him an integral part of her mother's peaceful passing.

Ashley's story is part of the Hidden Brain team's My Unsung Hero series, which features tales of people whose acts of kindness have left a profound impact on someone else. If you have a story of an unsung hero that you'd like to share, you can record a voice memo on your phone and send it to [email protected].

The My Unsung Hero series also has a podcast, with new episodes released every Tuesday. It serves as a reminder that acts of kindness, even those performed by unknown individuals, can have a profound and lasting impact on people's lives.

In times of crisis, it's important to remember that help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a resource for anyone in need, offering support via call, text, or chat. If you or someone you know is in crisis, don't hesitate to reach out.

In Ashley's story, we see the power of kindness and the impact it can have, even in the darkest of times. It serves as a testament to the fact that there are still good people in the world, ready to lend a helping hand when it's needed most.