CRESTVIEW — Mickey Givens spent his final wish under Covenant Hospice’s care doing what he loves — singing karaoke.
The 86-year-old sang several of his favorite songs during karaoke night on Saturday at American Legion Post 75.
"It’s something I really love to do," Givens said. "My favorite is the old country and western (music)."
The night was particularly meaningful because it might be his last chance to do so. The Laurel Hill resident recently chose to be taken off dialysis for kidney failure and has been a hospice patient since July 2.
"One of the things that hospice is all about is quality of life during their final acts of living," said Jenni Perkins, Covenant Hospice’s development and communications manager.
Each patient is asked what his or her three wishes are, Perkins said. Requests range from visiting a faraway friend or relative to simply dying at home.
"(Givens) wanted to hit the karaoke circuit one last time," Perkins said.
Jeff Williams, the American Legion’s commander, said he was more than happy to help a former World War II veteran.
“There is not that many World War II vets left," he said. "We got the call and we jumped at the opportunity to help out."
Serving in World War II was a family honor, Givens said.
"When I was old enough in 1944 to go into the Navy, I had seven brothers already in there," Givens said. "There was eight of us."
In addition to singing songs of his favorite country music artists, like his favorite, Eddy Arnold, Givens has performed several songs he wrote in remembrance of his late wife of 25 years, Edwina, who died in 2000.
The couple would go to karaoke events together, Givens said.
"We always made plans on what she would do when I died," Givens said. "It didn't work out that way."
Givens, who was also a former volunteer with Covenant, intends to stick around and continue to perform his favorite music as long as he can.
"I intend to live as long as the good Lord lets me," Givens said.
"He comes up here just about every Saturday night," Williams said. "Surprisingly he can carry a tune pretty well."
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Covenant Hospice patient sings karaoke for final wish