November 2023
Jonathan
Marrero
,
RN
2 East
Orlando VA Medical Center
Orlando
,
FL
United States
Those moments that I experienced with Jonathan, as brief as they were, began a Mountain of Hope.
I was a patient on 2E at Lake Nona VA Hospital. My stay was pleasing and very satisfactory overall. It was at the time of my discharge that Jonathan Marrano spoke words of pure encouragement to me. I refused the domiciliary admission and returned back to living in hotels. But before I left he told me to remember that I could always come back to the VA. He didn't judge me about my decision. However, Jonathan did remind me of how fatal drug use could be in relation to crack cocaine. He was speaking of the fentanyl being put in cocaine. He offered me Narcan, but I didn't take the kit. As I was preparing to walk out the door upon being discharged, I realized how impactful he had been in the execution of his duties that surpassed being a health professional. He spoke to me as a person with genuine concern. I KNOW the difference. Being a born-again believer, I know the difference. Those moments that I experienced with Jonathan, as brief as they were, began a Mountain of Hope. I am now preparing to be discharged from Lake Baldwin domiciliary due to the impact of Jonathan Marrano's words to me at Lake Nona. I am hoping that you consider these words of Truth that I have witnessed and written about all that Jonathan blessed me to experience.