Before the world as we knew it came unmoored amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, we wrote in late February about a poignant vision to honor heroic Chief Joe Delaney with a monument where the man who couldn't swim died trying to save three children from drowning.
Thirty-seven years after No. 37's death and on the morning after the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory, Marvin Dearman, the police diver who tried to save him, woke up with what he called a revelation:
It was time to properly memorialize Delaney at Chennault Park in Monroe, Louisiana, with an aim toward a dedication ceremony on June 29, the anniversary of his death.
What's happened since then has been another sort of revelation _ a heartening one worth sharing in this bizarre time when we all need reminders and reassurances of the best of human nature and community.
Within two days of The Star writing about Dearman's wish, Tripp Johnson of Johnson Granite Supply in North Kansas City was compelled to contact Dearman and donate the monument, an enhanced design and installation.
Johnson immediately understood Dearman to be "a soul (who) ... brings people together." Just as he's always thought of Delaney and the beacon of his story of running toward danger instead of away from it.
"What an inspiration. What can he teach us even years and years later?" said Johnson, a fourth-generation memorialist and owner of the company. "Let that next generation or two walk by and read this and think, 'What would we do?' "
We see that generosity of spirit illuminated daily now in the valor of our doctors and nurses and caregivers and first responders.
And it's appropriately amplified by what seems to be an unprecedented appreciation for their remarkable efforts and sacrifices, whether in empty ballparks lit at night, or neighbors cheering them on, or in our hearts.
Beyond that, while some might try to exploit this situation, we are sustained by so many acts of kindness, gestures of giving instead of taking.
Enough that we can choose to focus on that to give it more life and light as we all face this question one way or another in this chaos:
"What's our character going to be?" Johnson said.
Which brings us back to the affirming notion of how so many responded to Dearman's initiative on behalf of a man whose selfless last act was both tragic and inspiring.
The call and response, Dearman said Tuesday, is "a feel-good story in these most difficult times."
While some aspects of this project quite properly have been on pause in recent weeks as the focus is on more immediate causes, a man who has felt haunted over the years lately has been shedding tears of overwhelmed wonder about the kindness of strangers.
Consider the 117 individual donations of $37 received from Louisiana to New York, Florida to Texas, South Dakota to Maryland ... but mostly Kansas and Missouri.
Dearman initially had planned to set up a GoFundMe account. But between The Star's article and word of mouth, that became unnecessary.
After all, Delaney's story is so absorbing ... and always bears sharing in every way possible.
Dozens of people included notes to Dearman, who has remained close to Delaney's widow, Carolyn, and family and has worked the last 12 years managing Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens funeral home. He sent a number of them to me and urged me to share the most moving ones.
Here are a few:
_ "I didn't know Joe, of course, but I think about his courageous act more often than you'd think," wrote a man from Mission, Kansas. "If someone asks me who my hero is, I say Joe Delaney. No doubt about it."
_ "I remember Joe so vividly," a former Chiefs employee wrote. "He was such a wonderful runner, but best, he was a wonderful person. It stunned all of us at the Chiefs when he left us. God bless him."
_ "In honor of a true HERO!" said a note that came from Kansas City. "Good luck with this worthwhile tribute to #37."
_ "Great idea, great man, great cause, great honor," wrote a man from Leawood, Kansas.
_ "As a Chiefs season ticket-holder, I was given a jersey and asked whose name I would like on the back of it and I chose 'Delaney'," a man from Parkville wrote. "I wear it proudly and am often told what a great choice I made. I wish you all good luck in your funding efforts for his memorial. I also pray that your grief has turned into fond memories and pride."
_ "Thank you for your service and for your support and friendship with Joe Delaney's family," wrote a couple from Gladstone, Missouri, adding, "May God bless you for all you have done and continue to do."
_ "I was only a casual fan of the KC Chiefs when that tragedy happened but am saddened & proud of Joe Delaney each time I think of or am reminded of his actions on that fateful day," a man from Gardner, Kansas, wrote.
_ "'For even the son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,'" began a note from Monroe, Louisiana, citing Mark 10:45 from the Bible and adding, "I remember going to (Chennault Park) and always had a great time with my family. I still can think back to going one day and not the next because of that tragedy. ... May this provide some comfort, peace and knowledge for the Delaney family (that) Joe was appreciated/honored for his actions."
The cause that galvanized Johnson and so many donors also moved plenty of others to act. Enough so that the money donated will be funneled either to the Delaney 37 Foundation or further memorialization _ Dearman suggested from the start that any contributions in excess of the costs would be.
Free of charge, Dearman said, Holyfield Construction in Monroe is contributing the foundation. River City Ready Mix is supplying the concrete. The City of Monroe has donated the site.
Meanwhile, Johnson's team continues to work on the design for a project Carolyn Delaney in February called "wonderful." Memorial designer Kaylee Robinson is crafting the back of the memorial with more personal wording to complement the testimonial on the front.
"We have the reference to the Chiefs (on the front)," Johnson said, "but he was much more than that."
Or as Dearman thinks of him: "How he inspired others by never thinking of himself. How he never cashed a (Chiefs) check, gave it to Carolyn every (payday). How he grew up in poverty ... (And) how he has inspired others through this unselfish act."
At least at this stage, Johnson and Dearman remain optimistic that the monument can be delivered by June 29 even if a ceremony might have to wait. Perhaps one day in the not-too-distant future, this will create some momentum and impetus for a memorial to Delaney here in Kansas City, too.
In the precious present, though, this effort stands for itself as a beautiful tribute to Delaney ...
And to the examples of many we might do well to embrace with so much unmoored around us.
"Why are we here?" Johnson said. "Are we going to leave it a little better than we found it?"
Those interested in contributing can send checks made out to Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens, with Delaney 37 Foundation in the memo line, addressed to Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens, 8729 Cypress St., West Monroe, Louisiana, 71291.
