Editor's Letter January 2021

At the start of each new year, so many people’s thoughts turn to resolutions and fresh starts. This year, in honor of my younger brother, Bud Clever, who passed away Oct. 27, 2020, my New Year’s resolution is to lead a “Bud Clever” life in 2021. Bud was born in 1972 with many different heart issues. He endured multiple surgeries and hospitalizations throughout his life, with the last being a heart transplant on Aug. 13, 1999. He lived 21 years after his own heart had given out thanks to the generosity of another family we’ve never met. Because of all that he went through, he had a different perspective than most. From an early age, the doctors didn’t really know how much time he had, so to him, each day was a gift. His outlook was, “You can’t help the hand you’ve been dealt, but you can control how you play that hand.”

To say he lived life to the fullest would be an understatement. Every day for Bud was an adventure. That might mean seeing him cheering on team USA dressed as Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty. Or celebrating a Chiefs Super Bowl win with fireworks because he just happened to have some in his car. Or sending his niece a homemade graduation card, affixed with a wax seal and filled with confetti.

It would also be an understatement to say I miss him. He was my first friend and my lifelong friend. I have so many memories and we have shared so many adventures during his time here. As my younger daughter wisely said, “Mom, as long as we live the ‘Bud Clever’ life, he will never be forgotten.” So, here’s to 2021. May we all strive to lead a Bud Clever life.

Happy New Year, Kansas City!