Facing the Reality of Growing Old
We all know that one day we won’t be around forever. While I’m not afraid of dying, the thought of getting old and unable to care for myself worries me. The idea of needing constant help, forgetting things, or relying on a hospice nurse makes me uneasy. It’s a future I don’t want to face.
A Music Teacher’s Final Wish
This fear brings to mind the story of Maria, a music teacher who spent her last days in a care home in 2016. Maria, who had always found comfort in music, knew her time was running out. Luckily, one of her former students, Joshua Woodard, was working at the care home in Austinburg, Ohio.
Joshua had known Maria since he was nine, when she taught him music. As Maria’s time grew shorter, she asked to hear the song “How Great Thou Art” one last time. To honor her, Joshua pulled up the song’s lyrics on his phone and sang it to her, making her final moments peaceful. Their bond, from teacher to student, now full circle with Joshua as her caregiver, was a special and touching moment.
The Power of Music in Caregiving
Another beautiful story comes from hospice worker Annamarie Berg, who cared for a patient named Irene Rosipajla. Irene wasn’t very talkative due to her illness, but one day, Annamarie sang “Goodnight, Irene” as she left her shift. Irene smiled, a rare reaction, showing the power of music to connect.
As Irene’s condition worsened, Annamarie returned with her guitar to sing the song one last time. This time, Irene’s family was present, and it became a memorable, heartfelt moment. Irene’s daughter-in-law, Michelle Naypauer, captured the song on video, and a few weeks later, Irene passed away surrounded by her family.
Both of these stories show how hospice workers make a difference in people’s final days, offering comfort through small acts of kindness and the power of music.
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