The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted everyone’s lives in many ways. Those of us in the media are no exception. There are those, especially on social media platforms, who seem to believe that the media is enjoying this pandemic or even perpetuating it. This is simply not true. The last several weeks have been challenging, and although I typically welcome a challenge, I want nothing more than for this pandemic to be a distant memory.
As a lifestyle and human interest reporter, my days are normally spent meeting interesting people and visiting the many amazing senior centers, assisted living and nursing homes in Cullman County. The seniors of Cullman County are by far the most fascinating and enjoyable folks I know. I would rather tell everyone about them and share their stories than anything else.
On hard days, and as a single mom there are many, I find comfort and joy in stopping by to have lunch or visit with my senior friends. Thanks to COVID-19, my most cherished friends seem a world away. I know they are missing their families and friends as they are not able to gather at their local senior centers, expect a visit from loved ones or attend a church service.
I have learned the hard way that putting off a visit can have heartbreaking consequences. I had recently met the sweetest man at Hanceville Nursing Home who brought tears to my eyes as he spoke of the love he shared with his wife of almost 70 years. The recording of him speaking of his “sweetheart” I have listened to countless times since he passed away a few weeks ago. I had planned on meeting Mr. Virgil Henry’s sweetheart Ruth, as he had insisted. COVID-19 locked the doors to the nursing home before that visit could take place.
I miss sitting with Mr. John Tillman and hearing stories about World War II and Korea. I miss Mr. Jimmy Davis educating me on the newest book he has read from the library. I hope to sit and visit with my silly girls from Westminster Assisted Living as they laugh and tease one another at their lunch table. Mary Ellen Jones, try to keep Ms. Sarah and Ms. Deannie from misbehaving too much- or don’t. That’s what makes you gals so much fun.
I miss checking in on the Spirit Kickers at Donald E. Green, the bean bag baseball showdowns with the Sizzlin’ Seniors of Good Hope and the Recycled Teenagers out in Fairview, the crazy shenanigans of the Rowdy Bunch in Hanceville and the dessert table with my loveable buddies in Baileyton. I am sad that my new friends at the Dodge City Senior Center and my old friends at Colony aren’t playing dominoes and that the amazing guys and gals in West Point aren’t able to play Rummikub.
I miss stepping on the feet of the Senior Outreach “Hee Haw” cast as they attempt to teach me how to dance. Jim Anderton, you are a wonderful teacher. I’m just a lousy student. Gossiping with Ann and the girls at 55 East is more my lane.
The Cullman High School Jazz Band Big Band Dance was held just prior to the pandemic. They honored Cullman’s World War II veterans and it was a splendid evening. Had I known I would not be able to visit with Talmadge Drake, Spud Campbell, Julian Campbell, or any of the other handsome fellas there that night, I would have squeezed in one more dance. As soon as it is safe, I will be going straight to Morningside Assisted Living to see my pal Spud.
The next time I see my friends, I will hug them a little longer and stay as long as I can. We will swap more stories and joke a little more. We will play one more game and sing one more song. What I won’t do, ever again, is put it off until next week. I am not enjoying COVID-19 and I will be rejoicing when it’s over, and when it is, I will hit the ground running to bring our readers more stories from “The Greatest Generation” (which just so happens to be the last book Jimmy Davis was reading).
If you are looking for something to do during this time, send a note to a nursing home or assisted living facility and thank those who are keeping our most precious neighbors safe. Check on your seniors who might not have or understand the internet. Help to make sure they, too, can enjoy the online services on Sunday mornings. Call them if they don’t have access to these services and pray with them, sing with them or just spend time talking. You will be glad you did.
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