If you've heard the saying, "a single candle can light the world," you'll know how that applies to Kim Simmons. Words cannot express the joy and blessing it was to have Kim Simmons as part of my life and watch her light shine on so many people throughout her life and 8-year career at the newspaper. For those new to the community or reading The Standard for the first time, Kim Simmons was this newspaper's sports editor for nearly eight years. She died suddenly and quietly in her sleep in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7. With most small community newspapers, a job title seldom encompasses the entire scope of job duties. Kim's title was no exception and her contributions to this staff went well beyond the coverage of sports. While Kim's accomplishments over the years were numerous, highlights include Grand Marshal of the 2003 Homecoming Parade, recognition in the best sports photograph category of the 2003 Missouri Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest, and most recently the 2007 Fackelman Newspaper Group's Employee of the Year. My personal relationship with Kim and her family is similar to so many others throughout the community. Kim and her family first changed my life and fortified my own faith through the example of their unwavering strength after their son Jason's death in 1998. Kim and David's undying belief in God and their ability to give their burdens to the Lord, turning their tragedy into a tool of hope and inspiration is a lesson I will carry forever. Kim's musical gift touched the lives of my children at such an early age. I'm certain Kim had a hand in planting the joy of music in the hearts of Brad and Laura during their early years in church. A few years later in May 2001, Kim joined our newspaper staff and quickly turned our community paper into another instrument for her ministry and influence. For nearly eight years, Kim's light filled the darkness as she impacted the youth, coaches, and residents of Excelsior Springs with her compassion, her inspiring words, her counseling, her faith and her giving spirit. Kim never gave less than her best and she poured everything into her work. In a recent conversation, Kim explained that she designed every sports page as though it was going to fill someone's scrapbook. Those who worked with her know Kim would put more than her share of time in at the office - not because she loved the office - because she loved the kids. Kim treated every student as if they were her own and has left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. The Standard has lost more than a sports writer with the death of Kim Simmons. It has lost a piece of its heart, its personality and its character. A sports writer can be replaced. Kim Simmons cannot. While her candle is no longer shining on this earth, Kim's legacy will continue to light the world through us. We can keep that flame alive by adapting those same qualities of Kim that changed our lives so much. We can reach out to those in need, comfort the suffering, sing loudly and make a joyful noise, and put our faith in the Lord before anything else. We can all live in the joy of having known Kim Simmons and by remembering how much light one candle can spread.