All of us eventually grow old and pass away.
I’m not particularly afraid of death itself—I see it as something natural, even beautiful in its own way. What frightens me more is the thought of aging to the point where I can no longer care for myself.
Relying entirely on others, being unable to use the bathroom alone, or forgetting the names of your own children—that hardly feels like living.
Maria was spending her last days in a care facility, fully aware that her time was running out.
She had dedicated her life to teaching singing and piano, and she deeply missed the presence of music around her.
Fortunately, fate had brought one of her former students into the same care home in Austinburg, Ohio.
Joshua Woodard had first been her student at the age of nine, and the two shared a long, meaningful history.
As the end approached, Maria had one simple wish: to hear “How Great Thou Art” one last time.
Joshua didn’t hesitate for a moment—of course he would grant her final request.
Reading the lyrics from his phone, he sang her beloved hymn with heartfelt sincerity.
Even more touching, Joshua had known Maria since childhood, making the moment even more profound.
“Hospice workers are truly angels, but this hospice aide is exceptional,” said Marti Adkins Redmond.
“Maria taught piano and voice in her younger days, and Joshua was one of her students growing up. Hospice workers are truly remarkable people.”
Maria’s sister-in-law recorded the emotional moment on video: