To the editor:

I am writing to commend those responsible for organizing and carrying out the fund-raiser last Saturday, May 16, at the West Springs Baptist Church Christian Fellowship Center. The event was held to support Jared and Lacy Taylor with the medical expenses incurred by the hospitalization of their premature infant, Alayna, who passed away a few days earlier.

The response of the West Springs Community, Union County and the surrounding area was overwhelming. This should come as no surprise to anyone since West Springs is a close-knot community and Union County people are among the best people in the world. They know how to respond when there is a need. I can speak with confidence and expertise since I served as pastor at West Springs for 16 years. There are no finer people to be found anywhere! I tip my hat to the entire West Springs Community in particular and to Union County in general for a job well done. The same goes for people from neighboring counties who were supportive as well.

The success of this fund-raiser was not a one man show. Many individuals, churches and businesses came together to show love and compassion. My letter is simply to say “thank you” to everyone who reached out to the Taylor family during these difficult days.

Helping one another is what life is all about. Jesus said, “when you have done unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

From all reports, the entire event was simply awesome from beginning to end.

Perhaps last Saturday, little Alayna flew over West Springs with her angelic band to say, “look at the hundreds of friends I made in such a short while.”

Dr. Henry Johnson

Inman