Meet Judy Johnston

After moving to Houston to be closer to her family, parishioner Judy Johnston was searching for a place to belong. After a chance meeting with someone who would become a lifelong friend, Judy was led to visit and volunteer for The Gathering, a monthly meeting for those with memory loss that provides respite for their caregivers.

Interview by Andrea Meier, director of communications. 
Edited for length and clarity.

Q: How did you become involved with The Gathering?

In 2017, we moved here with no friends to be near my daughter, Sunday, her husband, and their three kids. We wanted to be closer to them and to good medical services. I left behind my church, I left behind my book club, I left behind my friends, I left behind my exercise class, but I found it all here. One of the first days I was in Houston, I was in the pool and this lovely person about my age got in. We started talking about Texas, and we immediately bonded. She was a former educator, as was I. I noticed her husband was by the side of the pool and moving very slowly. He was noticeably not walking well. She and I talked about it later, and she said that he had aphasia related to dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The four of us became very close. Watching him decline was heartbreaking. I thought, “Is there anything I can do to make his life better, to make his wife’s life better?” Then I read about The Gathering meeting at St. John the Divine. I decided to check it out and see what it was like. I came to an organizational meeting, the first one after the pandemic, and I said, “I can do this. This will be a perfect place for Jim to come.” His wife checked with Care Partners, and he attended until it just wasn’t a good fit anymore. I kept coming, and I went home and told my husband, Curtis, he just had to come. I said, “You should see Jim. He’s just thriving. It’s so joyful to watch!” My husband came the next month, and we’ve volunteered there every month since, unless we’re out of town.

Through volunteering at The Gathering, we have enjoyed getting to know the care partners and their caregivers. Most of them come back every month and are happy to be here. You can see the joy on their faces. The activities are very engaging for them. It’s amazing to see them light up when we have a singer visit! They know every word to the favorite songs they grew up with, and you can see them recalling the words, swaying, dancing, and moving. I especially noticed that with my friend. His favorite song was Blue Christmas by Elvis. Activities like these are good for their brain, and it is good for their caregivers who are stepping away to know their loved ones are having a fulfilling experience.

Q: What happens at The Gathering?

At The Gathering, each volunteer is paired with a care partner. We accompany that individual throughout the day’s activities and at lunch. This allows their caregivers to step away to make a phone call, run an errand, or have some time to relax and get away from the 24/7 care they are often providing to their loved one. We begin with a prayer and a welcome. We acknowledge birthdays during the month, and we sing Happy Birthday. We have exercises followed by entertainment, arts and crafts, games, and lunch. One of the ladies that attended as a care partner for the first time in September said that when her doctor asked about her socialization, she answered, “I don’t have any.” The Gathering was an opportunity for her to socialize with us and other people. Her daughter was thrilled when she brought her to the meeting. I look forward to every third Monday. I feel like I’m honoring my friend when I participate in this ministry.

Q: What do you want someone who is interested in either volunteering for The Gathering or bringing their loved one to The Gathering to know?

I want caregivers to know that this is a very safe environment, that the volunteers love the people who come, and that we will take really good care of their loved ones. Also that their loved ones will have a good time and it’s good for people to have a good time.

I encourage anyone curious about volunteering to come, observe, check it out, and see if it’s a good fit. It’s not a huge time commitment–one day a month, 11 months of the year– and the rewards and fulfillment are great. It’s a very loving and rewarding ministry, and I want to do it as long as I can until I need it myself.

The Gathering meets every third Monday from 9:45 am – 1:30 pm in Sumners Hall. All caregivers or family members who look after loved ones with dementia are welcome to bring their loved ones to come and enjoy our half-day program of fun, food, and fellowship. Please register with CarePartners for this FREE program by calling 713.682.5995 or emailing info@carepartnerstexas.org.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please email Susan Davis, director of seniors ministry, or call 713.354.2264