Tainted
At a medical clinic in St. Paul with my daughter on March 9, a young couple came in with their baby boy who was having a seizure. The staff acted quickly; soon EMTs arrived with a St. Paul Fire Department engine leading the way.
I assumed a woman who came in and sat down was a patient, but when they took the family to the paramedic unit, she immediately left the building. My daughter told me she came in and complained at the desk that she was “blocked in” by the engine, and “How long will they be?”
It’s fortunate I am hearing impaired, because she would have had an earful. When the engine left, she pulled out in front of the Paramedic Unit, leaving this family to wait before taking this child to the hospital. Tainted doesn’t begin to cover it. Shame on your cold heart!
Kristine Emerson, Luck, Wis.
Tainted
At 4 p.m. on Feb. 21, I was in my car waiting at a stop light on Century Avenue. I was the fifth car back from the intersection of County Road B, so the light had been red for a while. With no warning, my car was violently rear-ended.
After careening off the bumper of the car ahead of me, I was pushed onto the boulevard and the second impact was when my front fender hit a utility pole. Why were this driver’s eyes not on the road and why was the vehicle going at an inappropriate speed when approaching a stoplight? My vehicle was highly visible, it was daylight and driving conditions were good.
I am newly retired and had been enjoying my newfound freedom in volunteering at the area schools, attending classes and doing things I had never had time to enjoy. Now, my time is spent on endless insurance calls and forms, accident reports, car rental and many ongoing visits to the chiropractor, besides having to make a hasty decision in choosing a replacement car. My car was a 1994 Saturn wagon with low mileage and in pristine condition. There were many years left to the first new car I had ever owned. It is totaled.
Please, everyone, put your cell phones and any other distractions away while you are driving and keep your eyes on the road. I was lucky I was not killed. Many victims are not this lucky when idiots get behind the wheel.
Linda Ikhaml, North St. Paul
Sainted
The person(s) at Perkins Restaurant on South Robert Street. The morning of St. Patrick’s Day, we two ladies wearin’ the green, along with our blinking shamrock “tiaras,” were enjoying our breakfast and celebrating the day. When asked for our bill, our lovely waitress, Fallon, informed us that it already had been paid. We were so delighted; we’ve read about these events happening to others, but this was a first for us. We will definitely pay it forward. Thanks again. It was “top o’ the mornin'” for us. You made our day.
J. Clark, Eagan, and B. Arth,
St. Paul Park
Tainted
The people (a lot of them) along the parade route between Robert and Minnesota streets pushing children into the street during the parade. The parade was forced into one lane. I am shocked that none were run over by Ladder 8 and its shocked-looking fire crew aboard. For some folks, this year’s parade was a first in years and was ruined by the lack of restraint by parents on this block. A parade is no excuse for letting children run wild in city streets.
Gene Worley, St. Paul
Sainted
I would like to send out a huge thank you to the two ladies who stopped their cars to help me after I fell on the ice March 8. It was sunny and nice when I left my apartment on Granada Avenue to go for a walk.
It started to snow very heavily as I neared Stillwater Boulevard, so I thought I probably should turn back; I knew there were icy spots on the sidewalk. Well, I happened to find one that was covered with snow and I went down very hard.
I did not get the ladies’ names. I know the first lady had “TIPPY” as her license plate and the second, who got me back to my apartment, was Laura, but I did not get the last name. They were both my angels that day.
I ended up at Woodwinds Hospital with an ankle that was fractured in three places and dislocated. They did surgery and I am home recuperating. Also, thanks to my wonderful family and my friend, Carole, for all the help they are giving me. God bless all of you.
Carol Savino-Lindell, Oakdale
Sainted
The many volunteers who constantly help the weak and infirm have earned our heartfelt gratitude. None are more deserving than the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time at the local Veterans Administration Hospital in the Twin Cities. Many patients are out of our sight but should never be out of our thoughts and prayers. Many of these veterans helped save U.S. citizens from the horrors of Nazism and turned back those who destroyed Pearl Harbor. It is a great inspiration and source of hope to know that the sacrifices made by our disabled veterans are appreciated and repaid by numerous volunteers.
Richard Iffert, Eagan
Sainted
I’m part of a group that organizes treasure hunts throughout the year, akin to the annual Pioneer Press Hunt during the Winter Carnival.
A few weeks ago, several of us were out in the middle of Conway Recreation Center searching for one of these treasures. One of St. Paul’s finest pulled through the parking lot after dark, eventually spotting the group of us well into the park with his spotlight. He eventually made his way onto the walking path through the park to get closer to us and, likewise, we approached him.
He inquired about what we were doing; we explained our treasure hunt. After making sure that we weren’t destroying anything (“search, don’t destroy” is always our cardinal rule, just as in January), we inquired as to official park closing hours. He wished us luck and went on his way.
All in all, it was a very pleasant exchange in an era in which we hear many complaints about the treatment or “attitude” people receive when encountering law enforcement. It just goes to show you that the attitude you receive from the police is very much dependent on the attitude they receive from you.
Jason Michaelson, Apple Valley
Sainted
We’d like to saint our paper carrier, Theresa, who faithfully delivered the Pioneer Press to our front porch before 5 a.m. seven days a week for the past four and a half years. We were really sad when we received the note from her advising us that she would no longer be delivering our paper as of March 15. We wish Theresa well as she embarks on her new adventure and want to thank her for the terrific service she provided.
Marc and Dawn Al, Arden Hills
Sainted
I want to thank the staff of Scenic Hills Animal Hospital on Burns Avenue in St. Paul, for the compassion and wonderful care they gave my dog, Millie. Unfortunately, Millie had to be put to sleep on Feb. 20 because of many health issues. I was lucky to have had Millie in my life for 12 years. Two days after Millie died, I received a sympathy card from Scenic Hills Animal Hospital, along with an imprint of Millie’s paws.
I especially want to thank Dr. Mike Strecker for taking such great care of Millie. Dr. Strecker really cares about animals.
Kay Duzynski, St. Paul
Sainted
On March 11, I was shopping at Walmart in Inver Grove Heights. I was using an electric cart. When I finished shopping, I put the cart back and was having trouble getting out. A woman came into the store, noticed I was having trouble and offered to help me. After three tries, I finally made it up.
This isn’t the end: Not only did she put the purchases in a cart, she pushed it to my car and put everything in the back seat for me. Thank you, Sandy, for making Inver Grove Heights a beautiful city in which to live.
Betty Schramm, Inver Grove Heights
Sainted
At about 8 a.m. on Feb. 29, I slipped from the snow-covered curb into the snow-frosted ice of Wabasha Street. This all happened on the sidewalk downtown near Macy’s. I thought my rubber ice-gripping shoes would withstand the dangerous fall and bring me safely to Walgreens across the street, my destination.
How to get up ran through my mind and, in the very next second, a lovely young lady and a young gentleman lifted me by my arms. They guided me, one on each side, safely to Walgreens. Before they withdrew their bone-saving assistance, they politely asked if I was all right and, after hearing me tell them I had no aches or pain and was on two feet walking, they departed.
Thank you, guardian angels, who prove that the city of St. Paul does have angels and saints.
Peggy G. Shay, St. Paul
Tainted/Tainted/Sainted
Tainted: The Minnesota State High School League wouldn’t let Jack Jablonski out on the ice in his wheelchair to celebrate with his championship Benilde-St. Margaret’s team, citing either insurance liability concerns or that Jack was not on the BSM roster. Everyone looked forward to and expected that moment, to see Jack celebrate with his team. What a moment of triumph and celebration that would have been! Insurance or roster issue? The MSHSL should have found a way to make that happen.
Tainted: The MSHSL prohibited Benilde-St. Margaret’s team captain Jake Horton from receiving his championship medal with the team and coming out on the ice to celebrate with his teammates – apparently because he was “disqualified” and ejected from the game for his third-period spearing penalty. The MSHSL must have rules that dictated this final exclusion from the celebration. How ridiculous.
Sainted: All of the teams that played their hearts out in another amazing state high school hockey tournament. What a weekend. Those kids are all saints.
Jeff Birkins, Apple Valley
Sainted
Minnesota Nice at St. Paul Academy: My friends and I have rented the gym at St. Paul Academy each Tuesday night for the past few years. On Feb. 28, we were asked to leave early – the gym at SPA’s lower school was leaking.
The next week, a security guard we often bump into and chat with said he was going to buy us some pizza.
We assumed he was kidding. In fact, he said he couldn’t promise that all the toppings would still be there when the pies arrived. And he made no mention of us having to leave early the week prior.
But, sure enough, half an hour later, he came back to the gym with two large pizzas.
We stopped our game and said our thanks and shook his hand, and he cracked a few more jokes and went on his way.
It was a nice gesture; we would like to say thanks to this man, though none of us know his name.
Kris Janisch, St. Paul
Sainted
On March 9 I had a “sainted” experience. My friend and I went to Culver’s near SunRay Shopping Center. I used the restroom just before we left, and didn’t realize that I left my purse behind. Upon on arriving home, I noticed that my purse wasn’t in the car. We drove back to Culver’s and checked the restroom, but the purse wasn’t there. We then asked our favorite server if she knew if someone turned in a purse. She was happy to tell us that a young lady had found it in the restroom and brought it to her. I’m thankful to God that this young lady was so honest, and a big “thanks” to the staff at Culver’s, as well. We will be back.
Rose Paulson, Maplewood
Sainted
On March 2, our dog, Sam, had fallen ill. The staff at the St. Francis Animal and Bird Hospital in Roseville quickly identified the problem and made it possible for him to have surgery the next day. Without their expertise, care and compassion, our beloved Sam may not be with us. Special thanks to Dr. Roeser and Dr. Blair from the Atz family.
Jenny Atz, Roseville
Sainted
I want to acknowledge an individual, George, who went beyond expectations to help me in my moment of need several weeks ago. I had a mid-morning doctor’s appointment and was preparing my breakfast, when one of my “Rollator” walker legs snapped in two, leaving it totally useless, and me in the proverbial “bind.” My wife, having heard the commotion, immediately called our nearby Walgreens, and asked if it was possible to deliver a new walker, in the hope that I could still make my appointment. She gave him the name and color of the walker, and George advised us that it would take a few minutes to assemble it, and he would be there in a half hour. He was at the door in about 20 minutes but, unfortunately, he brought another product by the same name, which was actually a wheelchair on four small wheels. When he saw my broken walker, he said, “No problem. I’ll return this chair, and get the walker.” But before he left, he cautioned my wife that our walkway was iced over, and offered to spread some salt, which he did. He returned to the drugstore and was back within the half-hour.
I might have been able to make my appointment, thanks to George’s efforts, but I rescheduled it. Somebody “up there” was looking out for me. If the walker had broken between the parking ramp and the clinic, the result would have been much worse.
Gene Guliani, Inver Grove Heights
Copyright 2012 Pioneer Press.