……is fast becoming THE entertainment outlet for information-hungry fans of A-list celebrities, NBA & NFL stars, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent and everything in between.

Written by one of the country’s best features writers, Stargazing is not simply the normal “inventory list” blog. It is heavy on info, but written so you want to keep reading. Check it out here:  www.kansascity.com and click on “Stargazing”.

It occurs to me that perhaps this post may become lost among the literally thousands of tributes that are now online. I did not have the great fortune of knowing Wayman personally nor do I have any direct relationship to him or his family. I do, however, have a few friends who were blessed with the opportunity to work with and get to know this truly special person. Along with many others, I also had an indirect but meaningful interaction with him.

It seems that everyone to a person; family, friends, athletes, musicians, can probably close their eyes and see in their minds, that sunlight-bright smile that he generously shared with everyone he met, just as clearly as if they were looking directly at him. What a wonderful memory to be gifted with. I, along with countless others, with tears in my eyes, read and watched the moving tributes from so many of his loyal friends and fans. So many who emulated him, so many who were touched by him, so many who were drawn a little closer to God through him. What a legacy. His ‘walk’ truly measured up to the 6′ 9″ tower of potential that he was entrusted with.

One of the first backstage experiences I was ever able to share with my daughter was to watch Wayman and Kirk Whalum tear it up(!) onstage at the Music City J.A.M. a couple of years ago. I can still imagine her wide eyes, face lit up from the stage lights, as she danced with her mom to “Ain’t no stoppin’ us now”. I remember standing there, recalling his dominance in countless epic battles against my beloved Jayhawks and thinking it all a bit surreal to be standing so close to the “legend” as he displayed an equal command of this stage, effortlessly reeling off bass lines with the same soft touch of that graceful hook shot. My smile that night was from ear to ear.

Rest in Peace, Wayman. I will say a special prayer for your wife, your daughters, your granddaughter, family and friends in their time of loss. May their grief be lightened by the knowledge that you are free of your pain and now stand strong and proud, basking in the warmth of God’s loving smile.