Sports can help us move past grief over attacks

Like all Americans, I was horrified by the terrible tragedy on Sept. 11.

It is a time I'll never forget, and along with many of you I mourn the loss of thousands of lives and pray for all the good Samaritans who sift through the debris in search of victims.

Having said that, I firmly believe that it's time to search for some semblance of happiness. We shouldn't stifle laughter or be embarrassed to smile at the subtleties of everyday life.

Grief and sorrow has its place, and each person affected by the terrorist attacks on our country deserves remembrance and respect.

But we have to move on. The future depends on our ability to go back to work and back to play. Sports can provide that outlet.

It appears we are in for a long, arduous military conflict, a battle unlike anything we've ever seen. President Bush faces a tough task, and he needs support from us all.

Pray that he and his advisers make the right decisions and can balance the desire for retaliation with the patience and precision that will ensure freedom's function in the United States.

Freedom, in this case, means a return to normalcy.

So while tears will flow when we are reminded of the fear our countrymen faced Sept. 11, 2001, we must be willing to smile, be able to have fun times again with our families, and be prepared to enjoy life in the world's most wonderful nation.

The only way to achieve these personal missions is to slide back in to the comfort of routine.

Go to ballgames. Play golf. Cheer for your favorite teams and boo when an official blows the call.

Major League baseball teams returned to business last week, and as usual, fans applauded the crack of bat against ball. There was no crisis of conscience, just catharsis.

Don't be ashamed to revel in the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Rooting for the home team has never been more important than it is now.

Indeed, we must move on; we owe it to the innocent casualties, but even more so, we owe it to the little ones who thankfully are still with us.

And we owe it to the terrorists. Their evil will win if we lose our love of athletic competition.

Ashley Brown's radio program can be heard from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday on News-Talk Sports 1630 AM. His e-mail address is AB@WRDWAM.com.