Lyndol Bryan had one wish. To return once more to the church and the people she loves so much.

Lyndol has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Piedmont for 78 years. She's been away for a while, but she returned for a visit on the cold Sunday morning of Oct. 18. Her wish was made possible in part by the non-profit organization Second Wind Dreams, and by her assisted living facility, Ashton Gables in Riverchase¬.

Cheryl Thrasher, director of Ashton Gables assisted living community, said that Lyndon's wish to return to her church was the first they'd granted since partnering with Second Wind Dreams.

"As long as I can remember, that's all she's wanted to do, is to go back to her church," Thrasher said. Ashton Gables plans to honor the wish of one resident each month.

Ann Wilkes served with Lyndon on the church's flower committee for many years.

"Young people never need reminding to say things like 'thank you' and 'yes ma'am' and 'no ma'am,'" Wilkes said. "Just being around her brings out the best in you."

You could see those words play out that Sunday morning as Lyndol made her way down the hall of the church, lined along both sides with portraits of past and present members. Lyndol stopped as she came to one particular photo that looked familiar. She smiled as if meeting an old friend. The portrait was her own. In the photo, taken in 1995, she's wearing a smart black suit, a string of pearls, and that same smile that told you she'd always be there for you. The folks surrounding her in that hallway seemed to already know that, melting into smiles of their own as she passed.

Wilkes said she hoped they'd play Lyndols' favorite song, "Jesus Loves You," and that she's been told Lyndol sings it all the time.

"There's no telling how much money she spent on the soil and the fertilizer," Wilkes said, recalling Lyndols love of roses. "She'd spend hours and hours out there." The Rose Room at the First Baptist Church was named in honor of Lyndol.

Speaking of Lyndol's resourcefulness, Wilkes recounted seeing her with her best friend Elvylin at the old cafeteria in Gadsden. "When I walked by their table they giggled and said 'we got water with lemons. We can sweeten it with sweet-and-low and make us some lemon-aid' and they didn't have to pay for tea." Wilkes said.

Mrs. Bryan turned 93 on Oct. 7. The banquet room at the church quickly filled with friends and family, old neighbors and acquaintances, all eager to celebrate her birthday and her return. Virginia and Billy White became neighbors of Mrs. Byran when they moved to Gnatville road in 1968. Mrs. White enjoyed recalling how creative Lyndol is.

"One day I went in and she was on top of her dining table, painting her chandelier. She is very creative. She'd make the most out of what she had. " White said.

And they did play her favorite song. Many in the congregation came to tears as Lyndol Bryan sang the words she so loves, in the place she'd rather be than anywhere else in the world.