A Temporary Change Of Heart Followed By A New Beginning

June 20, 2010 by Masterclass Lady 55 Comments


On Tuesday, June 8th at approximately 9:20 P.M., I experienced a heart attack. It was sudden, it was intense and, over the last couple of weeks, it became a life-changing experience for me.

I am fortunate to live very close to our hospital; therefore, my husband was able to deliver me to the ER in record time.

After I arrived, I was quickly transferred to the ICU where I was monitored by excellent medical staff both in Timmins, Ontario and, later in the week, in Sudbury Ontario.

I am now recuperating under a doctor’s supervision, surrounded by the support and love of family members and friends.

Thank heavens for the Internet! Since I cannot stray too far from home, it allows me to reach out and embrace each and every one of you no matter the time of day or night.

And I am very thankful that we have government subsidized healthcare for all.

During my stay in both hospitals, I realized the importance of this, becoming acutely aware that all patients, regardless of age, color or socio-economic background received the same impeccable treatment and guidance from a first-rate medical team.

It was so comforting to behold – to know that, in a medical crisis, one’s health determines the quantity and consistency of care and not how deeply you can dig through your pockets. The quality is always there, but the level of monitoring increase substantially after one experiences a cardiac event.

Even assigning the limited number of TVs in the ICU unit in Sudbury was determined by your acute health status. One day, as I passed another patient’s room during my early evening walk, I noticed that an extremely ill patient, whom I knew was from a less privileged background, was able to enjoy the only large screen television set on the floor.  It brought a smile to my face and a sense of comfort.

And so, my recovery process begins. I am taking it slow and very easy, taking solace in the words of my doctor who emphasized that, with time and good care, I will eventually be able to lead a normal, productive life. 

However, he cautioned me to maintain a relaxed, less stressful approach in my daily activities. The heart attack was symbolic of working the ‘ole body too hard and one always must be aware of this.

However, for now, I cannot lift anything remotely heavy. Could somebody out there please come and vacuum my house?  Kidding of course – well sort-of!  I can still punch in phone numbers for a cleaning service.  It’s on my “to-do” list tomorrow.

Happy and Healthy Sunday, everyone, and Happy Father’s Day to the Dads out there!

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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55 Responses to “A Temporary Change Of Heart Followed By A New Beginning”

  1. Renee June 20, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Oh my goodness – prayers for your full recovery. I am sorry that you have experienced this, but hope that it becomes a time for reflection to find a better balance in your life!

    Like

  2. Julia June 20, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Dear Master CLASS Lady,

    I am sending you my best wishes for a quick recovery.

    Like

  3. HannaB June 20, 2010 at 11:53 am

    I’m sorry to hear about your health crisis, but so happy you’re on the road to complete recovery! And I’m glad you’re listening to your doctor and not overdoing!
    You are lucky to have your health system! I’m an RN in the US and wish we would be compassionate and wise enough to take care of our own like Canada does. The bottom line is that prevention and quick treatment save dollars when it comes to health care.
    Don’t worry about your “dirty” house. When you think about it, it’s not a priority. Hope to see you back to your normal level of activity as soon as safely possible! 🙂

    Like

  4. Masterclass Lady June 20, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    Renee, Julia and Hanna – thank you so much. I am very tired and the doctors feel that I will feel that way for a few months. It’s the norm after a heart attack. But I will heed your wonderful advice and stay focused on the prize – to live a healthy, well-balanced life, with as little stress as possible.

    Hanna – I thoughr President Obama made important changes to the health legislation, similar to Canada? I guess it is still not all-encompassing. What a shame.

    Like

  5. Shannon June 20, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    What a harrowing surprise! I am glad your recovery seems assured. We need your wise analyses!

    Like

  6. Vonnie June 20, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    MCL…OMGosh, how scary! Sending prayers up for you! Please take care and listen to your doctors!!!

    Like

  7. Ren June 20, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    So sorry to hear that you suffered a heart attack.
    I, too, am glad that you have Health Care in Canada. Every country should have it, but being from the United Sates, we don’t have one yet.

    Anyway, your health is the issue and I pray that you recover fully.
    Love your site. You are a “Master Class” lady in every way.

    Like

  8. Yamile June 20, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about your heart attack, but am glad to hear that you are in such good spirits. Your positive spirit always shines throught regardless. Best wishes and many prayers to you for a speedy recovery.

    Like

  9. Darlene June 20, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Hello & thank you so much for letting us know what happened & how you are doing. As a health care provider in the United States, I am reminded on a daily basis of how broken our system is & of how much we could learn from Canada if we would open our eyes (well, I actually think my eyes are pretty open but others aren’t :)). I am so very glad you are doing well & most important of all that you are in good spirits. Please keep us updated.

    Like

  10. Masterclasslady June 20, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    Hi everyone, once again

    I am sitting outside, simply relaxing. Thnak you so much for taking the time to stop by with your “get well”. They mean so much to me.

    Here’s hoping that the US can enjoy the enormous health benefits that we often take for granted here in Canada. We still encounter problems here and there , but, when it comes down to critical care, the quality is simply amazing.

    Love to all of you!

    Like

  11. Davd June 20, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    Dear MCL:

    I am so sorry to read of the challenge you have been given. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you learn to enjoy recovery. Sometimes when we don’t slow down our pace, our body does is for us. I had a sense something was wrong as your last posting was Memorial Day in the USA. Please take this time to recover nicely and to make changes that will improve your quality of life. Not that you need more to do, but I will suggest two things that will warm your heart and make any stress you may have melt away. Listen to the following video of David Archuleta singing Be Still My Soul that he sang at his concert yesterday, and read his new book “Chords of Strength”. Chapters 8-11 are just simply amazing.

    Thanks for your interesting blog. It is a joy to visit but not at the cost of your health or life. Pace yourself my friend.

    With warmest regards, Dave

    Like

  12. Gene W June 20, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    I’m sorry to hear of your problem, but I am very happy to hear that you are on the road to recovery.

    Rest assured that if you, or anyone else, had a heart attack, or any other acute medical crisis, in the US, you would have received immediate care in any hospital in the US that accepts funds from the Federal government for any reason. It is required by law to treat indigent emergency cases. That has been the case for over thirty years.

    I will pray for your full recovery. Be well Rosanne.

    Like

  13. Me_Myself_and_Eye June 20, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    dearest MCL so glad to hear tht you got through this “whole”
    – wishing fullest recovery and: slow is beautiful!

    Like

  14. Katillac June 20, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I too wish you a full recovery. Take your time and ease back into things.

    Like

  15. Nancy June 20, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    So sorry MCL. I pray and hope you have a speedy recovery, but while you wait listen to this Be Still My Soul (he sang this last night at his concert) and just take it all in. I hope it gives you some peace and makes you feel better.
    http://www.mediafire.com/?g35h0nnzwi3

    Like

  16. ArchieFanDpc June 20, 2010 at 11:01 pm

    Wishing you God speed to a quick and full recovery — please take care!

    Like

  17. ArchieFanDoc June 20, 2010 at 11:01 pm

    that’s “doc” – 😉

    Like

  18. Grammie Kari June 21, 2010 at 5:45 am

    Oh Roseanne, I am so terribly sorry to hear of this news and I wish you a speedy recovery! May God bless you you and keep you safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs,
    Kariann

    Like

  19. Grammie Kari June 21, 2010 at 5:57 am

    I didn’t mean to say “you you” – oops. Not being able to lift your Grandbabies may be a challenge, but I hope you have the opportunity to be with them as you are on your road to recovery! 🙂

    Hugs,
    Kariann

    Like

  20. hell0g0rge0us June 21, 2010 at 7:14 am

    Wishing you the best of health and a speedy recovery! 🙂

    Like

  21. KathyH June 21, 2010 at 10:14 am

    I’m very sorry to hear about your health scare and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (If I didn’t live so far away, I’d even offer to come do that vacuuming for you.)
    Take care of yourself!!

    Like

  22. Louise June 21, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Dear MCL,
    I am so sorry to hear of your health problems but so glad to hear that you received good care and are on the road to recovery. Please slow down, take good care of yourself, and smell the roses. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Like

  23. Masterclasslady June 21, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Thank you so much everyone. Thank heavens for beautiful weather – it makes the recovery process so enjoyable.

    Davd – I look forward to purchasing Chords Of Strength a reading the chapters you suggested. I always watch ” Be Still My Soul” – David’s voice and presence bring me immense comfort..

    God bless each and every one of you for your kind and uplifting comments! xoxo

    Like

  24. REReader June 21, 2010 at 11:27 am

    MCL, I am so sorry to hear of your health problems but VERY glad that you are recovering well. I’m praying for your continue health and full and complete recovery.

    I think you’ll do just fine at the “smelling the roses” part, since you have demonstrated in so many ways that you are so good at recognizing and embracing the good and the beautiful–it’s the slowing down part that you might have problems with! Please do it anyway–for yourself, your family, and all of us!

    Like

  25. janey June 21, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    MCL!!!!! oh noessssssssss! so sorry to hear of this :((((((

    Take good care and hoping for a speeeeedy recovery ♥

    Like

  26. Heidijoy June 21, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    Bless You Masterclasslady! Glad to hear you’ll be reading Chords of Strength and listening to Be Still My Soul. Anxious to eventually hear your review!! Meanwhile rest well with the support of Dr,family and friends. Maybe this season of American Idol was just too stressful for you. I’ve always appreciated your reviews. You are in my thooughts and Prayers.

    Like

  27. Gmax4 June 21, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    I am very sorry to hear about your little setback!! Rest assured that you will be back…even better than before very soon!!! Use this time to rest, relax, and refresh!!! Music can soothe you and bring you to a place of quiet reflection and peace. It is a great healer!!

    I hope that you can find much comfort knowing that many many heartfelt thoughts and prayers will be with you in your recovery!!! Bless You!

    Like

  28. fa3ryg1rl June 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    MCL, I’m so very sorry to hear about your heart attack. I’m glad you are ok, and are resting. Take care of yourself.

    Like

  29. joelhss June 21, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Dear MCL So sorry to hear of your heart attack, but I am happy to hear you are resting comfortable at home. Take good care of yourself. We will all be waiting patiently for your wonderful critiques and assessment of music. I absolutely love to read everything you have to say.

    Like

  30. lct June 21, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    MCL, I’m so sorry to hear about your heart attack. And yes, do take the time to read those chapters recommended above in David’s book. They’re beautifully written from the heart.

    Like

  31. SherylNotCrow June 21, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    MCL….how shocking to hear of your attack! I’m so very thankful you live so close to a hospital and your care was swift and mighty! God bless you on your recovery. It IS life-changing, but God takes EVERY situation and can make it wonderful. I know you realize this and your life will shine because of it. So glad you shared your health crisis with us as I know it made me stop and think of the crazy schedule I maintain. Thank you!

    If you feel open to share, could you let us know (especially for your female audience) the symptoms you experienced? I’ve heard they don’t necessarily match the male version of heart attack symptoms.

    I’m thankful you have David Archuleta’s ‘Be Still My Soul’ from his Idaho show Saturday. I know this will help your healing! 🙂

    Take care – you mean so much to us!

    Sheryl

    Like

  32. Astrid June 21, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about this, MCL. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Here’s wishing you a speedy and full recovery!

    Like

  33. awestruck June 21, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    MCL – wishing you the speediest recovery. So sorry you had to experience this, but great to know our much maligned medical system does provide the absolute necessary care for those need.

    Like

  34. Mari June 21, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    I’m terribly sorry that you’ve had to endure this & I’m hoping you’ll bounce back as the doctor predicts. In the meanwhile, enjoy blue skies, flowers from the window & all the David Archuleta music you can find time to listen to. It works for me here in CT. The spiritual connection is so real & I struggle to understand it, but music connections can’t be explained, they just are. Blessings to you.

    Like

  35. gemzone June 21, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    MCL you will be in my prayers!!! Listen to the Doctor and take life easy for a while. We would be lost without you.

    Like

  36. Laura57 June 21, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    MCL so sorry to hear of your sudden health set back. I can only wish you a very speedy recovery and am so glad to hear that you have excellent doctors for your care. Be well and God bless you.

    Like

  37. Amy (in VA) June 22, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Just heard of your heart attack and so glad to hear you are on the mend. Prayers for a quick and strong recovery! Meanwhile, listen to some wonderfully inspiring music (**ahem…..David Archuleta…..ahem**) and take care of yourself! Blessings and peace to you.

    Like

  38. jwipe June 22, 2010 at 12:09 am

    Hope you get well soon! What a scary thing to go through. Glad to hear you’re on the mend.

    Like

  39. munkmusic June 22, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering. But am so grateful that you are on the road to recovery. I hope you get the opportunity to listen to David Archuleta sing “Be Still My Soul” from his last concert. It is healing. It is powerful. It is a blessing. May you recover quickly. You are in our hearts and prayers.

    Like

  40. bridget June 22, 2010 at 10:38 am

    Best wishes…I feel connected to you thru FOD 🙂

    Like

  41. Masterclasslady June 22, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Good morning, everyone!

    I had a pretty good day yesterday. Lots of sunshine followed by a short trip to the Mall.

    Thank you all for your compassionate and caring words.

    I hope to add an “America’s Got Talent” topic later on today. I love watching zany and loveable Howie Mandel!

    Love you! Bye for now!

    Like

  42. Nati June 22, 2010 at 11:20 am

    I’m sending you my best wishes for a quick recovery!!!
    God bless you 🙂

    Like

  43. Vonnie June 22, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Hi MCL,

    How’s it going today? Are you resting and letting your husband take care of you?

    Thinking of you and hoping that all is going well…take care!

    Like

  44. Rox June 22, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    Wishing you a speedy recovery! from a fellow David fan ❤

    Like

  45. Masterclasslady June 22, 2010 at 6:58 pm

    Vonnie – I am resting as I speak! Watching a Seinfeld episode. Doesn’t get more mindless than that. I think I pushed too hard yesterday, so I am really watching myself today. Thanks for your concern!

    Like

  46. God Be With You June 22, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    I have had you on my mind for several days, goodness now I know why! Please take it easy, prayers for you for a speedy Full recovery. You are an amazing person I hope you are blessed with a very very long and full life. ♥

    Like

  47. Bright Light June 22, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Wishes for a rapid recovery and blessings of radiant health and wellness.

    Like

  48. BruceOCz June 22, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Dear MCL,
    Wishing you a Speedy Recovery… Yes David’s “COS” is a good read and can be ‘food’ and/or ‘medicine’ for Body, Mind and Spirit!

    Well, it “Works For Me!” Had a blast reading it… I hope you’ll too, like his singing/performance, etc he is a class of his own, when it comes to connecting with a person who ‘gets’ him.

    Cheers… 😀

    Like

  49. Masterclass Lady June 23, 2010 at 10:26 am

    Thank you so much everyone. Yesterday was a bit of a setback for me – I overdid it the last two days and really felt the results. Have to follow the medical instructions to a “T”. Taking it slow and easy today. Love to all fo you and God Bless! xoxo

    Like

  50. REReader June 23, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    I knew the “slowing down” part was going to your “hard part”. Put your feet up for a bit, the world will wait for you!

    Like

  51. Masterclass Lady June 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    ReReader -thank you so much for adding your comments here. I am following your advice but trying to “up”my medically advised exercise regime. 10 minutes today! It felt good. Going for another now – we’ll see how it goes. Thanks and hugs form MCL! xo

    Like

  52. Sue June 24, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    MCL,

    I was traveling when you posted this. I was very sorry to hear of your health crisis, but I’m relieved that you are now on the road to recovery. You seem to lead a very active life, and I hope that you’ll be able to continue to add rest and relaxation into daily schedule. Be well.

    Like

  53. kitty June 26, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    Best wishes on your full recovery.

    Like

  54. REReader June 28, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    I hope you are being careful with increasing the exercise…make haste slowly!

    Now, this should do your heart some good–today is Richard Rodgers’ birthday! If you’d like to listen to a selection of Rodgers songs, I have a clutch of YouTubes up on my blog (I hope the coding works!) and the Castrocopia blog, too, so enjoy!

    Like

  55. Louise July 2, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    MCL,
    How are you doing? I hope you’re beginning to get some strength back.

    Take care.

    Like