We all go through life knowing that someday we won’t be here forever. I’m not afraid of dying and see it as a natural part of life. But what does worry me is growing old and not being able to take care of myself. The idea of relying on a hospice nurse makes me a bit anxious.

The thought of needing help with everything, being unable to do simple things on my own, and forgetting my loved ones’ names scares me. It’s not the kind of life I’d want. This fear reminds me of Maria, a music teacher who was cared for by a hospice nurse in 2016.

Maria spent her final days in a care home, aware that her time was limited. She had been a music teacher all her life and found comfort in music. Fortunately, one of her former students, Joshua Woodard, worked at the care home in Austinburg, Ohio.

Maria had known Joshua since he was nine years old when she taught him music. Before she passed away, Maria had one simple but meaningful wish: to hear the song “How Great Thou Art.” Wanting to make her last days special, Joshua found the song’s lyrics on his phone and sang it to her.

What makes this story even more special is that Joshua had known Maria since he was a child.

Marti Adkins Redmond, reflecting on their connection, expressed gratitude to hospice workers like Joshua. She pointed out the bond between Joshua, who had been Maria’s student in voice and piano, and Maria, who was now in his care during her final days.

Although Maria is no longer here, her memory lives on through this touching moment. The relationship between teacher and student, now turned caregiver, shows the deep kindness and compassion that hospice workers, like Joshua, bring to their work. Joshua’s actions highlight how much of a difference one person can make in someone’s final moments, offering comfort and peace.

There are many stories where hospice workers provide such care during a patient’s last days, and it’s truly beautiful.