Nurse Assists Terminally Ill Patients In Fulfilling Their Last Wishes
Life is a journey where we all recognize that our time here is limited. While I don’t fear death and accept it as a natural part of existence, I do worry about the prospect of aging and losing my independence. The thought of needing to rely on a hospice nurse can be unsettling.
The idea of depending on others for basic tasks and the possibility of forgetting the names of those I cherish is frightening. This anxiety reminds me of Maria, a music teacher who received care from a hospice nurse in 2016.
Maria spent her last days in a care facility, aware that her time was running short. Music had always been her solace, having dedicated her life to teaching it. Thankfully, one of her former students, Joshua Woodard, worked at the hospice in Austinburg, Ohio.
Joshua had known Maria since he was nine when she first taught him music. Before she passed away, Maria had a simple yet profound wish: to hear “How Great Thou Art.” To honor her, Joshua found the lyrics on his phone and sang it to her.
What makes this story particularly moving is their long-standing connection.
Marti Adkins Redmond expressed her appreciation for caregivers like Joshua, noting the special bond they shared. Joshua had been Maria’s student in both voice and piano, and now he was there to care for her in her final moments.
Though Maria has left this world, her legacy endures through this poignant memory. The transformation of student to caregiver underscores the profound kindness and compassion that hospice workers, like Joshua, provide. His gesture exemplifies how deeply one person can impact another’s last days, bringing comfort and serenity.
Many such stories exist, showcasing the compassionate care hospice workers provide during a patient’s final hours, and they are truly heartwarming.
Annamarie Berg, another dedicated hospice worker, cared for a patient named Irene Rosipajla for over 20 days in the hospital. Annamarie shared, “She was quiet during her stay. It wasn’t personal; she just wasn’t feeling well.”
Berg discovered a connection through music.
“One evening as my shift ended, I said ‘Goodnight, Irene’ and sang a bit of the song. Her smile was so meaningful, especially since she hadn’t engaged much before,” Berg recalled.
As Irene’s condition declined, it was decided she would transition to hospice care. “On my last day with Irene, I wanted to do something special for her and her family, so I brought my guitar,” Berg, who studied music in college, said. “I sang ‘Goodnight, Irene,’ and it became a precious moment. I was nervous, but her focus and the family’s emotional response were incredibly touching.”
In the room was Michelle Naypauer, Irene’s daughter-in-law, who viewed her as a mother. “Irene treated me like a daughter,” Naypauer reflected. “In her last months, Irene was frequently in and out of the hospital, and we formed a close bond with Annamarie.”
“Before the song, Annamarie had already made a significant impact. Our son, Eric, got married in August, and Annamarie helped arrange FaceTime so Mom could join the celebration. It was beautiful,” Naypauer recalled.
Naypauer captured the moment of Annamarie singing to Irene, wanting to preserve it for the family. “There were tears all around; it was truly beautiful,” she said. The song became a heartfelt goodbye to Irene, who passed away a few weeks later at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
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