Life is a journey during which we all come to understand that our time is finite. I do not fear death, viewing it as an inherent aspect of existence. However, I do find myself concerned about the prospect of aging and the potential inability to care for myself. The thought of depending on a hospice nurse induces a degree of anxiety within me.
The idea of requiring assistance for every task, struggling to perform basic activities independently, and losing the ability to recall the names of my cherished ones is deeply unsettling. It is not the existence I aspire to lead. This apprehension brings to mind Maria, a music educator who received care from a hospice nurse in 2016.
Maria spent her last days in a nursing facility, cognizant of the fact that her time was drawing to a close. Throughout her life, she had dedicated herself to teaching music and derived solace from it. Fortunately, one of her past students, Joshua Woodard, was employed at the care home located in Austinburg, Ohio.
Maria had known Joshua since he was nine years old when she taught him music. Before she passed away, Maria had one simple but meaningful wish: to hear the song “How Great Thou Art.” Wanting to make her last days special, Joshua found the song’s lyrics on his phone and sang it to her.
The uniqueness of this narrative is further enhanced by the fact that Joshua has been acquainted with Maria since his childhood.
Marti Adkins Redmond, reflecting on their connection, expressed gratitude to hospice workers like Joshua. She pointed out the bond between Joshua, who had been Maria’s student in voice and piano, and Maria, who was now in his care during her final days.
Even in Maria’s absence, her memory endures through this poignant moment. The bond between teacher and student, which has now evolved into a caregiver relationship, exemplifies the profound kindness and compassion that hospice professionals, such as Joshua, contribute to their roles. Joshua’s efforts underscore the significant impact an individual can have during another’s final moments, providing solace and tranquility.
There are many stories where hospice workers provide such care during a patient’s last days, and it’s truly beautiful.
Annamarie Berg, a fellow hospice worker, attended to a patient named Irene Rosipajla for a minimum of 20 days during her hospital stay. Berg remarked, “She was not very communicative during that time. It was not a reflection on me; she simply was not feeling well.”
Berg said she was able to connect with Rosipajla through a song.
As I was concluding my shift one evening, I bid farewell by saying, “Goodnight, Irene.” I then inquired if she was familiar with the song “Goodnight, Irene” and proceeded to sing a few lines. Berg recounted, “She gazed at me and smiled. For someone who typically did not engage in conversation with the nurses, that smile held significant meaning, and I realized I had established a connection with her.”
As Rosipajla’s condition deteriorated, the decision was made to transfer her from the hospital to hospice care. “During my last visit with Irene, I aimed to offer something meaningful to her and her family, so I brought along my guitar,” recounted Berg, who had pursued music studies in college. “I performed ‘Goodnight, Irene,’ and it turned out to be a truly memorable experience. Although I felt anxious about singing in front of others, once I began to play and sing, she was completely engaged, and her family was deeply moved.”
Closer than never
Michelle Naypauer, Irene Rosipajla’s daughter-in-law who saw her as a mother, was in the room and moved to tears. “Irene was a wonderful person who treated me like a daughter,” Naypauer said. “In the last few months, Irene was in and out of the hospital, and we got to know Annamarie well.”
Prior to the song, Annamarie had accomplished several remarkable feats. In August, our middle son, Eric, tied the knot, and Annamarie facilitated the setup of FaceTime, allowing Mom to attend the reception at the bridal table. It was a beautiful moment, as Naypauer recounted.
Naypauer, who documented Annamarie’s performance for Irene, aimed to preserve the poignant moment for the family. “There were countless tears, and it was truly beautiful,” she remarked. The song served as a sincere farewell to Irene, who departed a few weeks later in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Watch Joshua sing to Maria while she was in his care