Lack of games yields wealth of opportunity

9/16/2001

We've been blessed living in this country.

Until last Tuesday, I didn't realize just how blessed.

Americans are spoiled. We've been incredibly fortunate.

But our eyes have been opened.

We now see life - and death - the same way as the rest of the world.

Terrorism is no longer some other nation's problem. It's our problem too.

We've been attacked in our backyard, but it's not the same feeling as being mugged, car- jacked, or having your home burglarized.

It's much more sinister and life-threatening.

Some of us wanted to forget about the enormity of the situation by watching sporting events this weekend.

Fret not. The games will resume shortly.

Barry Bonds still will have a chance to hit 71 home runs.

Michael Jordan still will be able to make his NBA comeback.

The World Series still will start in October.

The Super Bowl still will go on as scheduled.

Despite the tragedy, sports will continue to serve as the country's most popular form of recreation.

But we digress.

Devote this weekend to reflection and meditation. We can do without sports a little while longer.

Go to church today. Say a prayer for those killed in the terrorist attacks. Say another prayer for the gift of life. Go home and light a candle.

Tell your wife, I love you. Surprise her by washing the dishes and doing the laundry. Compliment her new hairstyle. Take her out for a romantic dinner.

Kiss your children. Ruffle their hair.

Don't wait until they're grown before listening to what they have to say. Spoil them rotten.

Get up early and cut the grass.

Go for a walk.

Say hello to your neighbors - especially the ones you don't know.

Think about those suffering in New York and Washington and remember that it's easier to smile than to frown.

Don't take good fortune for granted.

Stop living vicariously through others. Take the initiative.

If you miss watching sports on television, play a round of golf and videotape it.

Invite some friends over for a game of touch football.

Choose up sides and play quarterback. See if you can still throw a tight spiral.

Remember how it feels to catch your second wind.

For laughs, try to fit in your old high school letter jacket.

Say something nice about the Detroit Tigers.

Give new Detroit Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg the benefit of the doubt.

Appreciate Cleveland Indians general manager John Hart for all he's done.

Cut Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch some slack.

Ditto for Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.

Make it a point to watch University of Toledo running back Chester Taylor play in person before he goes to the National Football League.

Sing the national anthem every time you attend a sporting event.

Go to bed every night thankful to live in America.

John Harris is a Blade sports columnist. E-mail him at jharris@theblade.com.