These Hearts Travel

Elisabeth Burghardt, Health Science Specialist at the White River Junction VA Healthcare System, was filling a small basket with stuffed cloth hearts at one of the facility’s reception desks, when a Veteran approached.  “Oh, I was hoping I could meet you!” he exclaimed. He wondered if it was alright to take more than one. Burghardt assured him it was. 

The Veteran shared that he now always carries two or three with him and that “the ones with sea turtles” are particularly meaningful to him.  He said having the hearts makes a big difference in his coping abilities.  “You have no idea.”

As Burghardt and the Veteran talked, he shared that one time he was at an airport, having a rough time on his way to a gathering of his Army buddies.  He was squeezing one of these hearts, when he noticed that there was a man having an even harder time. 

He gave his heart to the man who looked at him quizzically.  “No, this really works man,” he said encouragingly. The man squeezed the heart, nodded, and after a long exhale said, “Thank you.”

Another time, the Veteran continued, he arrived at his brother’s home realizing that he had forgotten to bring a housewarming gift.  Internally, he was beating himself up for forgetting this. He entered the home noticing it was fully decorated for fall. 

He pulled out a small pumpkin heart, and gently placed it into the centerpiece on the table.  His sister-in-law said warmly, “Oh that’s perfect! Thank you so much.”

And there was another instance, the Veteran said, when he was with a family member who had developmental challenges.  They were standing together in line at a store waiting to pay.  He noticed his family member was beginning to get anxious. He gave her a heart, and asked if she wanted to wait in the car.  She looked down, squeezed the heart to her chest and said, “No, I’m okay.”   

It was important for this Veteran to share the difference he has seen the hearts make, and how powerful they can be.  He always has them with him and gives them away regularly. 

Burghardt shared with the Veteran that she and her colleague, Jackie Gesek, BSN, Research Coordinator, also made origami hearts for Heart Month, in support of heart health and of those feeling life’s challenges. Burghardt placed several on the counter.  The Veteran carefully selected one for each Medical Support Assistant working at the desk. 

Burghardt thanked the Veteran for sharing his stories of how what could seem an insignificant object has offered comfort, and for sharing them with others to help and to heal.  She assured him more hearts, and particularly those with sea turtles would be coming.

Upon saying goodbye, Burghardt left the Veteran as he decided which hearts he will keep – until he passes them along.

Please visit Heart Disease | Heart Disease | CDC for important information about heart health. Don't wait to discuss any concerns with your doctor. 

Elisabeth Burghardt and colleague Jacqueline Gesek work on the Veterans Affairs Lipid Optimization Reimagined Quality Improvement project, otherwise known as VALOR QI, at the White River Junction VA Healthcare System (WRJ VAHCS), helping Veterans improve their heart health. Burghardt is a Health Science Specialist and Jacqueline Gesek, BSN, is a Research Coordinator and Guitars for Vets Coordinator.