The preacher who married them also had special ties to the couple through the Cullman senior center .
“ Mike and Albert [ Kimbrill ] had become friends while the center was closed due to Covid ,” said Linda . “ They recognized each other as Bible Believing people and could talk freely and honestly about anything .”
Linda said she was worried about the center being closed ; afraid it might not be open before July 10 . “ And honestly , I really could not think of a back up place . I know in my heart , though , that God worked this out for us — so that we could have our special union in the exact same place we fell in love ,” she said .
“ After all of those challenges , everything else just started falling in place ,” she said . “ Prayers worked for us .”
It was an even more special for Linda ’ s only son to give her away .
The couple both agreed the senior center provides such a valuable service to the seniors that it serves .
“ It provides friends , food and fellowship , for many who would be alone otherwise . In many ways I feel that the senior center is a lifeline to the outside world for those that it serves .”
Both had lost their first spouses and a God centered relationship is what they were looking for — they just
never realized they would find it while volunteering at the senior center .
“ When my wife Cathy , died after 51 years of marriage , I was very lonely and depressed . Based on the advice of a friend from church , I came to the senior center to volunteer to help others ,” Mike said .
Volunteering proved to be very beneficial to him because it allowed him to think of others rather than just himself . And it also proved to be where he would meet Linda and the couple would start the next journey of their lives .
Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson defined the couple as being perfect examples of how invaluable our senior centers can be .
“ Folks might think they can come for bingo , cornhole and penny auctions . You can come for those things , but you never know what else more might be in store for you ,” Lawson said . “ You can for sure find some life-long friends that will love and care for you in our centers but you just might find your future spouse as well !”
Lawson said she has witnessed the relationships among the seniors in her short time of being here . “ It gives me hope of growing older but never having to worry about being alone .”
“ It gives me hope of growing older but never having to worry about being alone .”
28 | SPRING 2022 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE