In 2016, Maria, a retired music teacher nearing the end of her life, spent her final days in a hospice care facility. One of her former students, Joshua Woodard, worked at the facility and took special care of her. Maria’s last wish was simple yet deeply meaningful: to hear the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Despite the emotional weight of her condition, Joshua, who had known Maria since he was nine years old, made sure to fulfill this request. He gathered the lyrics on his phone and sang the song for her, providing her with comfort in her final moments.
This heartwarming act reflects the deep bond between the teacher and student, now reversed, with Joshua offering care to Maria in her last days. It also highlights the compassion and kindness of hospice workers like Joshua, who make a profound difference in the lives of those they care for, offering comfort, dignity, and emotional support in their final moments. Joshua’s gesture exemplifies the power of human connection and the important role hospice nurses play in ensuring a peaceful, meaningful end of life.