A little humanity goes a long way.

That was certainly the case this week when various local groups came together to help a Winchester man make a long-time wish come true.

Jack Sowder, 66, has wanted to be baptized for several years. But his health was prohibiting that from happening.

Sowder suffered a series of strokes that left him with very limited mobility. Most of his body is paralyzed, but he still has use of his right arm and his cognitive ability did not suffer.

For five years, Sowder has been a resident of Fountain Circle Health and Rehabilitation, and three of those years he has been bed-ridden. That limited mobility has negatively affected his health in multiple ways, and sadly, Sowder has faced two terrifying hospital stays that he and his family weren’t sure he would make it through.

The most recent scare came Sunday, when Sowder was admitted to Clark Regional Medical Center in dire health. His temperature was 105, he was septic and his blood sugar levels had skyrocketed.

Fearing the worst, Jack’s family mentioned they wished he had been able to be baptized like he was wanted for several years.

They called the hospital to ask if that was possible, and staff jumped at the chance to make it happen.

Even when initial attempts failed, they didn’t give up.

Rural King donated a trough that would be large and deep enough for the baptism that would take place in front of the hospital and the Clark County Fire Department arrived to fill it with water.

Wednesday night, Sowder was baptized with his family, friends and community partners gathered nearby.

Without the community rallying around this local family, Sowders desire to be baptized may not have been fulfilled.

Sowder’s story speaks volumes about the kind of community Winchester and Clark County are. In a time when it is easy to become bitter or even numb to the things happening in our world, it can also be easy to forget there are good people. Stories like this are reminders than humanity, decency and respect for others still exist.

We are happy for Mr. Sowder and thankful to live a community where humanity is still alive and well. And judging by the enormous and positive response to Sowder’s story — thousands of likes and shares on Facebook — we feel confident we aren’t alone.

Keep up the good work, Clark County.

 

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The board is comprised of publisher Michael Caldwell and managing editor Whitney Leggett. To inquire about a meeting with the board, contact Caldwell at 759-0095.