Remembering Ebra

A joyful remembrance of a dear friend and pioneer nurse

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Tribute to Ebra from Dr John Freeman

Ebra was truly a servant of God, ministering to the needy with a humble spirit of compassion. I clearly remember the reopening of the hospital in 1975. There was Ebra, ready and willing to serve as a nurse. She never complained, but went about her daily duties quietly and diligently. She was quick-thinking and always prepared for the next task.

I recall one occasion when a patient suffered a seizure. While waiting for me to arrive, Ebra noticed a boil that needed to be lanced. Without hesitation, she took the lance and, while the patient was still unconscious, performed the procedure—saving me that responsibility.

Another time, near the end of my service at the hospital, a woman arrived with a gunshot wound to the left upper abdomen. She was already in shock. It was clear: either we operated, or she would die. Ebra calmly prepared the operating room. I performed a high spinal and my first splenectomy. Though it was something I had never done before, Ebra’s calm presence brought peace and steadiness to the situation.

The Kwai River group has been deeply blessed to have someone like Ebra. We thank God for her.

John Freeman, MD