One of the things that makes sports so special is the room it has for people like me — outsiders who don’t follow every number and player but who love a close contest in the end. Especially one in her own hometown.
So here are some thoughts, not from a sports writer but from a not-sports writer, on the history that just happened.
- Human achievement is still far and away the greatest joy.
- Human achievement as a team is a special joy.
- Human achievement as an individual is a special joy.
- The ability to mess up and keep delivering at your best is hard — but essential.
- In the face of inevitably great competition, resilience and determination are essential.
- Dusting off life’s bum calls against you is essential.
- Youth is great, but so is experience.
- Hard work and preparation set you free.
- People want to unite in celebration.
- People want to embrace their commonalities.
- Social media can still be fun and amplify wonder.
- Partaking in something bigger helps make life worth living.
