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Some relationships leave an impression that lasts far beyond the years in which they first began. Teachers, in particular, can become an important part of a person’s life, helping students discover abilities they did not know they possessed. For Mary Redmond and Joshua Woodard, a connection that began through music eventually came full circle in an unexpectedly moving way. Years after Mary had taught Joshua, the former student found himself standing beside his old teacher again. This time, however, they were meeting under very different circumstances, during the final chapter of Mary’s life.
Mary had spent years teaching voice and piano, sharing her knowledge of music with younger generations. Among the children she taught was Joshua Woodard, who reportedly knew Mary from the time he was around nine years old. Years passed, Joshua grew up, and the relationship between teacher and student became part of their shared history. Eventually, their paths crossed again at the Austinburg Nursing & Rehab Center in Ohio, where Joshua was working and Mary was receiving care. The reunion created an opportunity for the former student to give something meaningful back to the woman who had once taught him.
During Mary’s final days, music remained connected to the life she had spent teaching others. One hymn in particular became part of the moment that would later reach people far beyond the care facility: “How Great Thou Art.” Rather than creating an elaborate performance, Joshua stood near his former teacher and sang for her. Accounts of the encounter describe him using his phone while performing the hymn. The simplicity of the scene was part of what made it memorable — a former student singing to the teacher who had once helped introduce music into his life.