There's many reasons to be thankful for SPOT bus

The Bonners Ferry SPOT bus has been an answer to the prayers of many in our community.

Take my husband and me, for instance. On my way to Kootenai Health for the replacement of my aortic valve on Jan. 1, I slipped in the hotel at 6 a.m. and broke my wrist. Two days after my fall, Rob slipped on black ice and broke his ankle. I could not take him to get it checked or set, so he reserved a seat on the SPOT bus for both of us.

By the time he returned to work, I needed to go to North Idaho Cardiac Rehab in Sandpoint. Although their regular schedule was three or four times a week, SPOT driver Tom got me there early enough on both days of the week for several months that I finished all 72 units on time.

My new aortic valve is doing great because of Kootenai Cardiology and the Pritikin Program of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle guidance at North Idaho Cardiac Rehab.

But a big part of my recovery has also been leaving the driving to Tom and SPOT. When the bus has been full, I have met and visited with many people I otherwise would not have gotten to know. On the few days, I was the only rider, I was able to read my library book in both directions as Tom expertly drove through construction and other drivers' mistakes. One surprise is that from the height of the bus, I've seen things I've missed from the car.

We are so blessed that SPOT is available to anyone needing transportation around town four days a week and to Sandpoint on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

CLARICE M. McKENNEY

Bonners Ferry