After open heart surgery I was assigned to 36 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation at Albemarle Hospital. Having little idea what it was all about except for the tidbits my wife relayed when she completed her 36 weeks this past January, I inquired at the information desk where to report.

I was told to go to the fourth floor and see Jovan. She enrolled me in the program and I selected the time of 9:30 a.m., every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Arriving on a Monday I was greeted by a cheerful "Hello Ray" and introduced to the staff which consisted of Karen, Danielle, Brenda and Tammy. They took my blood pressure, did an EKG, attached some kind of electronic heart monitor to my chest and told me to sit real still while they explained the procedures.

I was to take my heart rate after each exercise and record it and the difficulty level of each exercise on a prepared sheet. There were also the questions "Do you have any pain?" and "Have there been any changes in your medications?" I was now ready to proceed.

Proceed meant doing a series of exercises on a rowing machine, treadmill, Nustep, bicycle, and lifting weights. Before beginning any of these each person must go through a series of warm-up exercises. After exercising there are cool down walks before your heart rate and blood pressure are checked again.

I gradually got to know the other 10 or so people in my group. I don't know how many sessions there are per day but they begin early in the morning and run until mid-afternoon. I'm sure each person gets the same friendly and personal treatment I have been getting.

Occasionally there is a lecture before class as to what your daily activities should include to promote good health. There are questionnaires to be filled out and reviewed by the dietitian and gone over with you to see that you are eating heart-healthy foods.

I tell folks that I haven't seen any white bread since my wife finished cardiac rehab and started Weight Watchers. Whole grains have become the standard at my house.

It takes a special person to deal with so many different groups of people. Albemarle Hospital is certainly fortunate to have such a cadre of dedicated people.

I say thanks for making a "have to" situation into a "want to" experience. I can truthfully say I have never met a more dedicated, friendly, and courteous bunch of people.

They quickly learn everyone's name and a cheerful "Good Morning" is always made personal by including your first name. When you are ready to leave, their parting words are "Have a nice day" or "See you next Monday, Wednesday or Friday."

In a world where some people come to work, put in their time and do as little as possible to get by, it is a pleasure to see a group of people who are dedicated to doing the best job they possibly can with the interests of their clients as their primary goal.

To the cardiac rehab staff I salute you for being true professionals and providing a wonderful service in the community.

My graduation day is July 11.