Sitting in a gym on Saturday morning my phone rang with the news of Kim Simmons' passing. Needless to say, the call left me in a saddened state of shock. This could not be, just 12 hours earlier I sat with Kim visiting about our delight of a packed Tiger Gymnasium, Courtwarming 2009 festivities filled with young ladies and young men looking their best, parents and grandparents snapping pictures and a win by the Tigers. Kim was all over the gym, doing her usual job of getting a picture from every angle for the next edition of the Excelsior Springs Standard.
Kim meant so much to all Tiger coaches, players and fans. She recently sent me an e-mail speaking of her concern for one of our coaches that she felt was getting down. That was vintage Kim Simmons, whether it was a coach or a player, she hurt when they hurt and she was overjoyed when they had success. Her long time friend Cheryl Greim told me Saturday morning that, "Kim was so proud of this community. She was always concerned about giving equal coverage to all activities. Kim did not want anyone to think she favored one team over another." Kim had one of those jobs that sometimes drew some heat from proud parents if they felt their child did not get proper accolades in one of her columns. After a phone call or letter like this, Kim would give me a call or stop by. I was amazed that she would never have a bad thing to say about the note or caller. I asked her if this ever bothered her, she stated, "No, I am glad we live in a community where parents care about their kids."
Kim helped me through some difficult times. I recall when our dear friend Bonnie Casto passed away. Kim was the first to call and comfort me and all other Tigers in our time of need. Kim wrote a tribute to Bonnie after her untimely passing. The first paragraph went, "Have you ever thought about the significance behind the expression beyond words? That phrase aptly describes the feeling of so many in Excelsior Springs who are privately and collectively trying to grasp the reality of losing a genuine community treasure." Like Bonnie, Kim Simmons was a community treasure. Kim and I shared a love of poetry. After Bonnie passed, Kim sent me the following poem because she thought it was what Bonnie would have wanted. I feel the same is true for my dear friend, Kim:
"Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die."
Kim Simmons had an unwavering faith that carried her through the toughest times. For those that have read her book about the tragic death of her loving son, Jason, you are aware of what I am referencing. In "Lifted Up from the Deep," many blessings came to the Simmons after the tragedy. After reading the book over the weekend, I was reminded of just a few of these "Beautiful Rainbows. To everything there is a season. A pure white dove. the lyrics to a special song. the moon and the stars. April 23 and June 5 in Rio de Janeiro. a new pole vault record. a national championship. endearing and meaningful dreams. a white rose. faithful, compassionate friends. Warm Hearts and Willing Hands." Kim's book ended with a poem from her husband Dave Simmons. Kim believed these words were given to him to seal her many pages of shared reflection. I have included a portion of the poem below:
"Make me to make a difference, Lord. Please see that I don't fail. If I flee the task at hand, set me straight in the belly of a whale. Cause I've a head as hard as flint, and a heart that's way too frail, to say and do what must be done, so it's easy to set sail."
Kim definitely made a difference without fleeing any task that was ahead of her. Our friend has now set sail.
The hearts of all Tiger coaches, players, parents and friends go out to Kim's family. The high standards set by Kim Simmons will leave a lasting impact on the community she loved.

By Jesse Hall, Excelsior Springs Activities Director