You’ve heard the expression, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt”?….that rings more true in the sports world where it is all fun and games. Injuries are a part of the game and without them we’d never have stories like Lou Gehrig, Kurt Warner and Clint Longley.
But it’s a different game when death enters. Our playing fields and competitive arenas were never meant to see the cold darkness of a lifeless body. But yet it happens. The violence of some sports sometimes gets amped up beyond control or the competitive spirit gives way to thoughtless actions that bring disastrous results. Wait, that’s the NBA lockout….
Racing has brought another grave marker to a family far too early in life. Dan Wheldon dies 12 laps into an Indy Car race in Las Vegas this weekend. He had two sons – two years and six-month-old – and a wife. Racing has brought plenty of deathly incidents to its spectators. But it seems every sport gets a visit from the grim reaper. Hank Gathers died on the basketball court and football players have met their end while playing the sometimes violent sport.
But it happens. And it’s sad. It’s heartbreaking. There’s no way to protect players and drivers enough to take the possibility of death out of the sport.
Yet, we continue to play.
We continue to watch.
Why?
Because we need sports. They are a distraction from real life. They take us away from what’s real in our own lives and give us a break to be free. But then, the distractions sometimes bring us back to real life. To life and death….things that matter.
But what’s my point with all of this? Life happens in and around our games. Take time to enjoy it, take time to live it. Hug your children, call your mom and dad, tell your brothers and sisters you care and maybe be real with your friends. Make a difference in the world with your presence and don’t just be someone who takes up his or her amount of oxygen from the planet.
Ok, I better listen to myself and go hug my kids, kiss my wife and make some phone calls. Don’t hang up or ignore it when you see my number on your caller ID, please….
This post is brought to you by the fine folks at Paragon Apartments, offering apartments across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and the Paragon Patio, where residents connect. We’d love to talk with you on Facebook and Twitter!
This post is brought to you by the fine folks at Paragon Apartments, offering apartments across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and the Paragon Patio, where residents connect. We’d love to talk with you on Facebook and Twitter!
