I’m not a huge fan of comedian Steven Wright, but I do appreciate his humor. Several years ago my wife, Linda, and I had the pleasure of attending a Steven Wright show, who is most famous for his one-liners. The line which most resonated with me was: “I want to live forever – so far, so good.”

Now we all know that we don’t physically live forever – even Steven Wright. However, I think maybe Steven is on to something here as I contemplate the lives of three friends of mine and my Mom who passed away within the last year – Andy Anderson, Cloyd Clark, Tor Olson and Dolores Graff. What they accomplished during their time on earth and the positive impact they had on our community will live well beyond their physical existence.  

We are all gifted with certain talents or assets. What made Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Dolores so special was they used their talents and resources to benefit others more than themselves. 

As William Shakespeare so eloquently said, “The meaning of life is finding your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

My dad, Peter Graff, lived his life knowing that what he did for himself would die with him, but that what he did for others would live on long after he was gone.

Now seven years after his passing, the lives of our friends and neighbors in Southwest Nebraska are better because Peter Graff called McCook home. And years from now, the lives of Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Dolores will have the same profound effect on our community.

So, how can we best show our appreciation for those who came before us? For those who invested so heavily in our community, whether that be with their time, talent or treasures?  

To start with, we can show our gratitude by how we invest our own time, our own talent and our own treasures into Southwest Nebraska. Consider giving back to your community, whether that be through volunteer efforts, financial donations or just showing up. 

For example, each of us involved with the McCook Community Foundation Fund has made a pledge – the investments made by those who came before us will continue to prosper on our watch, whether those investments are an idea, an asset or just their spirit of giving.

Remember that giving not only helps others, but is good for our soul. H. Jackson Brown Jr. (the author, not the musician) wrote, “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” 

Thank you Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Mom for the gifts of your lives - your spirits are still alive and well in Southwest Nebraska. You leave legacies of love and community that continue to live deeply in those of us touched in some manner by your lives. We will do our best to honor each of you in everything we do for our community.

As Mae West once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” And you all did it so right.