Helping Hands 12-12

December 13, 2008 05:21 pm

— Helping Hands – The News Courier

This series profiles people who lend their talents to area churches, either by playing piano or organ, organizing or preparing church suppers, cleaning and maintaining, or taking part in any behind-the-scenes duties. If you know of someone who should be recognized for their work at church, contact Edd Davis at (256) 232-2720 or send an email with the person’s name and contact information to ed@athensnews-courier.com.

Profile questionnaire
Name: Linda Bridwell
Age: 61
Community: Athens
Years in Limestone County: “We moved here from Madison County about a year and a half ago,” Linda said.
Church: Lindsay Lane Baptist Church
Describe duties at church: Linda heads up a new ministry that reaches out to caregivers who support those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in the church conference room. Meetings, which sometimes include a speaker, are open to the Athens community. “I just had a passion to start this group,” Linda said. “I contacted various agencies to let them know about the ministry but it was slow to get people to attend. Sometimes, all people are looking for is literature, but talking, listening and knowing you are not alone helps.” She and husband Bill are also care group leaders in the senior adult class.
How many years attended? Since moving to Limestone County
Family members: Husband, Bill; two granddaughters, Alison Miller and husband Grant, and Sarah Phillips; two great-grandsons, Cohen, 1, and Micah, 8 months; stepson, Mike Phillips and wife Teresa, all of Decatur.
What are your hobbies? Linda enjoys reading, gardening and cooking. She is also a 15-year member of Wall Street Women, a women’s investment group she and friends formed to study the stock market and make small investments.
What is your regular job? “I retired from Boeing in human resources in 2002,” Linda said. “I retired early to help my mom who had dementia and wanted to do more for her. As it turned out, my younger sister was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s the month my mother went to the nursing home. I went to a support group to learn how to handle it all and they helped me tremendously. In 1979 we lost our only child and we got involved in a support group then as well. To cope with these types of life-altering events, you need to talk and learn from other people,” she said.
Why do you enjoy helping at the church? “I’m happier than I’ve ever been at this church. I felt welcome the first day,” Linda said. “The friendliness of the people is overwhelming.”