Death is a stressful process for everyone involved. Even when you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by loved ones when you pass, it’s still a very isolating experience since you must go alone.

Maria was a singer and piano teacher for her whole life. Music continued to be her source of comfort in her final days at her care home in Austinburg, Texas — so much so that she asked one of her former students, who was now working at the home she was staying at, to sing one of her favorite songs at her deathbed back in 2016.

Maria has had hundreds of students throughout the decades. Her influence must spread all over the country as her students grow up and do incredible things with their lives. Incredibly enough, one student worked at the hospice center where she was being cared for. Joshua was Maria’s student when he was only 9 years old, according to Newsner. They shared a bond with their mutual love of music that has carried on through the years.

Music can be empowering and unifying. In this case, Joshua was also able to show love and comfort for Maria during her final hours. This clip of him singing to her will move you to tears.

Maria’s final wish was to hear the song How Great Thou Art since it has been a source of comfort and strength for her throughout her life, according to Newsner. Joshua is a great singer thanks in part to Maria, and he was happy to grant her dying wish. He wanted to deliver the best performance utilizing all of the skills Maria taught him as a child to send her off. He probably knew this is what she deserved.

Joshua stood right by Maria’s side as he beautifully sang Maria’s favorite song. You’ll notice that Maria seemed to relax immediately after Joshua started. Music makes a difference. Providing care as Joshua did for Maria can make such a positive change in the world. Maria, unfortunately, passed away, as Newsner reports.

We all have to accept that death comes for everyone. Instead of being afraid, we can try to live our lives as passionately as Maria and go out in a peaceful way. Although Maria has passed, the knowledge she has given to all of her students will continue to be celebrated and passed on for generations.

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