Read Online The Summer Wind by Mary Alice Monroe - Free Book Online Page B

My son died at only fifty-five. We lost him so young. Muirs die of heart disease—or war,” she added darkly.
    “And you?” Dr. Newell asked Mamaw.
    “Not me, thankfully. Colsons get the cancer. Though I do get those heart palpitations when anxious.”
    Dora thought about what Mamaw had just said about Parker. “Mamaw, I thought you always said it was the drink that killed Daddy.”
    “True enough, but the immediate cause of death was a heart attack. Poor man was thin and malnourished. It was only a matter of time till the liver got him. But,” she added with emphasis, remembering an important point, “Parker had heart palpitations just like this when he was but a few years older than you are now, Dora. Edward and I took him to the doctor but he couldn’t find anything wrong.”
    In the resulting silence, Dora could hear the scribbling of Dr. Newell’s pen as he wrote quickly on the chart. She’d never known that her family had such a strong history of heart disease . . . and it frightened her.
    “The good news today is that your heart shows no sign of disease,” Dr. Newell told Dora. “But with your history, and this incident, it’s time to make changes. Are you a heavy drinker?”
    “No,” she replied quickly. “I drink wine, mostly red,” she added, having read somewhere that red wine was good for the heart. “And the occasional cocktail. But just last month my sisters and I went cold turkey for a week, just to be sure we could. We worried about it, because of our father’s alcoholism. I didn’t have a problem stopping.”
    “Good. What about your job? Sedentary?”
    “I’m a stay-at-home mom. I homeschool.”
    “Exercise?”
    Dora shook her head, shamefaced.
    “How many children?”
    “One. My son, Nate. He’s nine years old.”
    “What about your diet?” Dr. Newell looked at his chart. “You’re overweight and I’m concerned that you carry so much of your weight around your waist, which is a clear indicator of possible heart disease. Nurse Langelan is a nutritionist and she can give you advice on what you can do to change your diet and lifestyle.” He waved his hand toward the nurse beside him. She was tall and slender, an example of good nutrition and exercise. “You know the drill. But no more putting it off, Mrs. Tupper,” he said in earnest. “You must do it. Now . This has been your wake-up call.”
    Dora looked at Mamaw and Winifred. Mamaw’s eyes had taken on a new gleam, while Winifred appeared haunted, as though she’d just heard herself diagnosed.
    “Other than that, you’re free to go home as soon as the tests are done.”
    Dora managed a smile, relieved.
    “Thank you, Doctor,” Winifred said magnanimously. “We’re so grateful for the good news. Dora, you can come home with me to Charlotte. Henry would love to have you for as long as you wish. And Nate, of course,” she added. “Doctor, how long should she be on bed rest?”
    “Bed rest? That’s what Dora does not need. I want her up and moving, doing nonstrenuous exercise to start.” He turned again to Dora. “Take long walks along an even surface. A half hour minimum and work up in ten-minute increments. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can and should ramp it up with aregular exercise routine. Nurse Langelan will give you suggestions. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call.” He smiled at Dora with encouragement. “Do take this seriously, Dora. You’re young and you still have time to make changes. Good luck.”
    Dora smiled weakly, wondering about all those forthcoming changes.
    After Dr. Newell left, Nurse Langelan assured Dora she’d be right back and followed him out. For a moment all in the room were silent.
    Mamaw was the first to speak. “It doesn’t make sense for Dora to go to Charlotte. She is already comfortably settled at Sea Breeze. There’s nothing but fresh air and beaches to walk, and Lucille will prepare a healthy diet. And best of all, Nate is