The staff that helped during and after my surgery were sincerely attentive and made me feel most welcome. I was perplexed by it all because my confidence in the whole healthcare system was shattered a year earlier with my wife’s recovery after hip surgery. It’s important to note that I haven’t been to the VA for years, not even during or after COVID-19, due to the impact of the deadly delta virus. The long travel distance and the need to care for my wife, who will be turning 90, have contributed to our isolation. I assumed at that time that all healthcare in the USA had taken a very bad turn, including the Veterans Administration.

My recent inguinal hernia repair restored my confidence in the Veterans Administration, highlighting that Veterans care remains a top priority in their mission. Nurse Moana cared for me prior to her shift change that evening. Moana returned the following morning, and what impressed me the most was the time she spent listening to me sincerely with excellent eye contact and smiles. She made sure I understood what to expect and inquired if I was experiencing any pain.

I could see beyond the veil of care that Moana was a genuinely caring and sincere person. When I was discharged at 10:47 am, she made sure I understood my summary report and what I needed to do at home. We discussed many things, and she took the time to listen. She walked me to the elevator and made sure I knew the way to the lobby. I hugged her, and we said our goodbyes.

I want to mention that I slept very little that night, not due to pain or discomfort in the room, which was comfortable and quiet, but because I was overwhelmed with emotional gratitude. I felt very appreciative of the care I received at the VA and the well wishes of staff and family. I realized I had been wrong to lump the VA in with other healthcare systems. After a month of battling Medicare through another hospital, I vowed never to use health care outside of our home again. I am sincerely grateful to everyone at the VA.