We all age and, eventually, we all have to leave this world. It’s a natural part of life.
I’m not afraid of dying. To me, it’s something beautiful and inevitable. But what truly scares me is growing old and being unable to care for myself.
The thought of needing help for every little thing, not being able to go to the bathroom by yourself or forgetting the names of your children, that’s terrifying. That’s not really living anymore.
Maria was spending her final days in a care facility. She knew her time was short, and the thought of losing her independence weighed heavily on her.
For most of her life, Maria had been a music teacher—both a singing and piano teacher. She missed the sound of music, the joy and comfort it brought her.
But Maria was fortunate. One of her old students happened to work at her care home in Austinburg, Ohio.
Joshua Woodard had been one of Maria’s students when he was just a little boy, around the age of nine. They knew each other well.
As Maria’s final days approached, she had one last wish: she wanted to hear the song “How Great Thou Art” before she passed away.
Joshua, eager to grant her wish, wasted no time. With the lyrics pulled up on his phone, he began to sing the hymn, his voice filled with deep emotion.
The moment was even more special because Joshua had been one of Maria’s students. It was a full-circle moment—he had learned from her all those years ago, and now he was offering her something deeply meaningful in return.
“Hospice workers are angels, but this hospice aide is something truly special,” said Marti Adkins Redmond, another hospice worker at the facility.
“Maria taught voice and piano, and this aide, Joshua Woodard, was one of her students when he was just a kid. It’s a beautiful, special connection.”
Maria’s sister-in-law was there, capturing the powerful moment on video.
Sadly, Maria is no longer with us. That makes this video even more emotional, as it preserves a piece of her last moments.
This video is a tribute not only to Maria but to all the hospice workers who dedicate themselves to caring for our elderly loved ones. They offer comfort and compassion in their final days.
So please, take a moment to watch this beautiful clip and share it with your friends on Facebook. It’s a way to honor the incredible work of hospice staff and the precious moments they help create.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
