Basketball legend Michael Jordan is being praised for a heartfelt act of kindness after fulfilling the wish of a former high school teacher who wanted one last chance to speak with her beloved student.

Jordan recently surprised his former teacher, Ms. Etta, who is currently in hospice care in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. According to staff at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Ms. Etta had been reflecting on cherished memories from her years teaching at Laney High School and repeatedly mentioned Jordan’s name while talking about former students who impacted her life.

The hospice staff shared the emotional story with local outlet WECT, explaining that multiple attempts had been made to contact Jordan without success. Then, unexpectedly, a social worker named Wendy received a call from an unknown number and handed the phone to Ms. Etta.

“Is this Ms. Etta?” the caller asked.

It was Michael.

What followed became an unforgettable moment for everyone in the room.

“They laughed, reminisced, picked at each other, and shared a moment that brought tears to everyone in the room,” staff at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said.

A video shared by the news outlet showed Jordan smiling warmly during a FaceTime conversation with his former teacher, dressed casually in a blue T-shirt, as the two reflected on old memories.

Ms. Etta’s family later said Jordan’s kindness created “a memory they will carry forever.”

The touching reunion reminded many fans that, despite his global fame and legendary basketball career, Jordan has never forgotten the people who helped shape his life long before championships and endorsements made him a household name.

Jordan’s own story has often been tied to perseverance and determination. During his sophomore year at Laney High School, he was famously cut from the varsity basketball team, a setback that later motivated him to work harder and improve his game.

That drive eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 national championship game. He later became one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and winning six NBA championships.

But for one former teacher nearing the end of her life, Jordan’s most meaningful accomplishment may have simply been taking the time to call.