Her Heart’s In The Right Place

It doesn’t surprise Jeannie Roberts that my good-natured dad grumbles about how long he has to warm up before he can let loose on the treadmill.

She’s used to impatience. Most of the people Jeannie sees in Kootenai Medical Center’s cardiac rehabilitation program ache to stampede from the confining corral of heart disease.

“They’re entitled to their anger and frustration,” Jeannie says. “A lot of them expect they can jump right back to where they were before their heart surgeries.”

Dad is no exception. His mouth sags a bit with chagrin as he starts the treadmill at a slow 2-1/2 miles per hour. Before his quadruple bypass last November, he snapped out 90 push-ups and 70 sit-ups a day and could line-dance for hours, night after night.

He’s kept a tight lid on his impatience, but it’s no wonder it occasionally leaks out.

“Surgery takes a lot more out of you than you’ll admit,” he says with a resigned smile.

Doctors recommended that he exercise after he left the hospital four months ago. Dad figured he’d slip right back into his old habits and exercise with Mom at home. But the construction of their new house stole his attention.

Finally, his doctor prescribed Jeannie’s program. She switched from cardiac care nursing to rehab 10 years ago to work with patients’ spirits as well as their bodies. In KMC’s rehab room, she helps heart-surgery patients find the right level of exercise for them and teaches them to keep at it.

Jeannie’s quick to smile and tease and not the strict taskmaster patients probably expect. She copies cartoons to share with them. She doesn’t push but encourages moderation. Sore joints and torn muscles aren’t the goal.

Some patients tell her their concerns about depression. They don’t tell their families because they don’t want to worry them, she says. But Jeannie knows hearts. She understands.

Once Dad’s warmed up and walking a healthy pace on the treadmill, his smile returns. He would have stuck with the three-month program for his own good - he’s smart that way - but Jeannie made it inviting, he says. He’s so pleased, he signed up for a second session.

Thanks, Jeannie. Your heart’s in the right place.

Music alone shall live

Pastor David Hess of The Sagle Baptist Church mourned the loss of his heirloom violin after a thief pilfered it from a North Idaho College locker six weeks ago. He lamented to his congregation and in letters to the newspapers, and generous people all over offered him violins.

The pastor had just accepted one after two weeks with no music when the thief had a change of heart. A friend of the pastor’s found the original violin in its case on the floor of NIC’s locker room just waiting for recovery.

“The experience was a very precious one to all of us and gave us a fresh vision of the love and concern of others,” says Pastor Hess. And the value of a good, strong lock.

The true story

No revisionist history for Plummer teacher Brad Veile. Brad is leaving for Poland and Israel on a special program to teach American teachers about the Holocaust and the Jewish resistance. He wants to add the information to his American government class.

A fellowship covers some of his expenses, but he still needs $3,500 for the 25-day trip. Want to help? Send donations to the Brad Veile/Holocaust Fellowship account at Key Bank, U.S. Highway 95, Plummer 83851.

How does your garden grow?

Where are the best spring flowers in North Idaho? Sniff out the most colorful for Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home.” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; fax to 765-7149; or call 765-7128.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo