Page 22 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR
During the last semester of her senior year, a young man
named Charlie asked her out. After he graduated, he had
a hard time finding a job due to his draft status. Judy had
never worked anywhere but the farm and was terrified to
get a job because she did not have any work experience.
But she easily found a teaching position in Lubbock and,
at the same time, President Kennedy passed a bill that,
if you were married, you would not be drafted. Charlie
proposed, and they married within two weeks. They were
married for sixty years, raised two children, and faithfully
served in church.
Years later Judy was ready for a change. She was looking
for direction from the Lord, when she noticed the
building where her kids had gone to kindergarten was up
for sale. She bought it and opened her own kindergarten.
It was risky for a woman to start her own business,
and Judy had to summon courage once again. The new
kindergarten was so successful that Judy’s school always
had a waiting list.
In 1993, Judy was in a serious wreck that crushed part
of her leg. Due to medical negligence, the injured leg
was two inches shorter than the other. It resulted in
much pain in her back for many years after the accident.
She courageously lived with her suffering until Charlie
saw a doctor on television who was known for his skill
in lengthening bones. In Judy’s case, her leg needed to
be lengthened more than surgery would allow, so the
surgeon opted to shorten the other leg. She bravely faced
that unusual surgery and recovered well.
Judy always has a smile on her face and joy in her heart.
She felt that Charlie would be disappointed with her
if she did not walk around with joy. After he passed
unexpectedly, her church family has often helped her
maintain her joy by showing up to fix things, mow the
yard, and many other acts of kindness. She knows that
Charlie would be pleased with this church.
Judy also finds joy by serving others. Her life has not
always been easy, but Judy continues to find courage to
push past all the hard things and to keep following God,
while bringing joy to everyone who meets her.
Immediately after interviewing her, I committed and paid
the deposit to attend Oklahoma Christian University,
where I am stepping into a career path dominated by
men: cybersecurity. What I am taking with me is the
courage to follow God even when times are scary. I will
carry a smile on my face and joy in my heart, because if
Judy could do it throughout her whole life, I can do it,
too.
22 Lubbock Senior Link
HISTORIC
Cactus Theater
1812 Buddy Holly Ave • CactusTheater.com
UPCOMING SHOWS!
FEBRUARY
27...Zak Mirz: Kid at Heart - Interactive Magic
28...Tribute to Reba - Starring Robin Gallo
MARCH
3...Sit & Stitch Movie Event - Cactus Debut!
6...Casey James: Solo Acoustic Tour
7...Sounds of West Texas - A Night of #1 Hits
11...Classic Cinema: “Stand By Me” (1986) R
13...An Evening with Larry Gatlin - Solo Show!
14...Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys in Concert
15...Corb Lund: North American Tour 2026
21...William Lee Martin - Comedy Show - PG-13
25...Classic Cinema: “True Grit” (1969) PG
26...Moses Snow as Elvis - King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
27...Noise Pollution - Top Touring AC/DC Tribute
28...Vibe LBK: Nostalgia Nite 1950s-’60s-’70s
APRIL
1...Gregorian: Pure Chants Tour: Songs of Enigma
3...Cory Morrow - Texas Country Legend
4...Gary P. Nunn - Texas Legend - Full Band
8...Classic Cinema: “Shrek” (2001) PG
11...Vibe LBK: Celebrating 100 Years of Rt. 66
17...Ian Moore - Texas Guitar Legend Returns
24...Moe Bandy - Legendary Country Music
25...Legends of Classic Rock - Cactus Debut!
28...Eric Johnson - Legendary Texas Guitarist
MAY
1 - 2...’80s Band Tributes: Van Halen/Motley Crüe
8...Classic Cinema: “African Queen” (1951) NR
23...Def Leggend - Def Leppard Touring Tribute
30...Texas Flood: #1 Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute
Tickets: CactusTheater.com
“Best Live Sound, Lubbock’s Most Historic Stage
and a Unique Experience Each and Every Time!”