Carol and her friend Judye Wright share a special bond. They’ve known each other since Carol’s family moved to Columbia. They spend just about every Sunday together at First Assembly of God church. “Carol is very well-known around the church,” says Judye. “Everyone loves her.”
The families have been friends for a long time. In fact, Carol’s father was Judye’s Sunday School teacher when Judye was 10 years old. At a recent 50th birthday party for the church’s pastor, Carol learned that he was also in that same Sunday School class years ago. “When Carol found out that we’d all known each other back then, she couldn’t believe it. She was so excited!” said Judye. “We’re lifelong friends.”
Each Sunday for the past several years, Judye drives to Carol’s apartment to pick her up. “Carol has attended church with Judye for years now,” says Kim Cearlock, Site Supervisor at Team 108. “They also attend a Bible study after church. We are happy that Carol has this natural support in her church family – which is very important to her.”
“Judye is nice,” says Carol. “She’s been taking my mother to church, too. She’s in a nursing home. She also comes with me to Bible study and when there is a lunch at church.”
“I always tell Carol that she’s my “brain.” She helps me when I forget little things like to put on my seatbelt or where to turn,” says Judye. “She also remembers the page number of every recipe she’s ever made and she loves cooking.”