Dying Woman’s Final Wish Granted by a Former Student in the Most Heartfelt Way
We all know that life eventually comes to an end. For many, the thought of death itself isn’t as frightening as the idea of losing independence — no longer being able to care for yourself, remember loved ones’ names, or live life on your own terms.
Maria was in her final days at a care home in Austinburg, Ohio. Once a talented piano and voice teacher, she had spent decades surrounded by music. But now, her world had grown quieter, and she longed for one last moment of melody before she passed.
As fate would have it, one of her former students, Joshua Woodard, worked at the facility. Joshua had first met Maria when he was just nine years old, learning music under her guidance. When he heard her final wish — to hear the hymn “How Great Thou Art” one last time — he didn’t hesitate.
Standing by her side, Joshua pulled out his phone, found the lyrics, and began to sing. His voice was warm, steady, and filled with emotion. For Maria, it wasn’t just a song — it was a gift from someone whose life she had touched years earlier.
“Hospice workers are angels, but this hospice aide is truly special,” said Marti Adkins Redmond, who witnessed the moment. “Maria taught music in her day, and this aide — her former student — gave her the gift she’d been hoping for.”
Maria’s sister-in-law filmed the touching scene, a memory made even more powerful knowing Maria has since passed away.
It was a reminder that sometimes, the greatest comfort comes not from grand gestures, but from the quiet kindness of those we’ve helped along the way.
Share this story to honor hospice workers everywhere, whose compassion makes a world of difference in life’s final chapter.