This heartwarming article tells the emotional story of a devoted caregiver who honored a terminally ill woman’s final request by singing her favorite song as she took her last breaths. The piece explores the deep bond formed between the two, highlighting the compassion, humanity, and emotional power of end-of-life care.
“I’m not especially afraid of dying,” Maria once said. “I think it’s something beautiful and natural. But what terrifies me is growing old and losing my independence.”
The thought of being unable to care for herself of not remembering her children’s names or needing help just to go to the bathroom was, in her words, no kind of life.
As her final days approached, Maria was staying in a care facility in Austinburg, Ohio. A former piano and voice teacher, she deeply missed the presence of music in her daily life. But fate had something special in store.
One of her former students, Joshua Woodard, just so happened to be working as a hospice aide at the very same facility. Joshua had taken lessons from Maria since the age of 9, and the two shared a close bond.
Maria’s final wish was simple but deeply meaningful: to hear her favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” one last time.
Joshua didn’t hesitate. Holding the lyrics on his phone, he sang a tender and heartfelt version of the beloved song at her bedside.
The moment was even more poignant because of their long history together.
“Hospice workers are angels, but this hospice aide is truly special,” said Marti Adkins Redmond. “Maria taught voice and piano in her day, and Joshua was one of her students. It all came full circle.”
Maria’s sister-in-law captured the emotional performance on video a powerful testament to love, music, and the quiet heroism of end-of-life care.
