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As I sat down in front of my computer to compose this weekend's column, there was a young man, a Buffalo Bills football player, fighting for his life after a collision on the field of play.
Since that tragic mishap on Monday night football, the league decided to postpone the game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals to a later date. The concern and focus was put on the football player, Damar Hamlin.
Why these things happen we will never fully understand. But it is what happened after the collision that should have us all thinking.
During a time in this country of such division, the events on that football field on Monday night changed everything.
Football players and various staff members from both football teams, took a knee on that field. They took a knee in a communal prayer. No protests, just prayers.
The fans in the stadium stood in collective silence, held hands and some prayed as well. They applauded the players as they headed to the locker rooms.
Wow. This tragedy brought into focus what really matters -- the gift of life. Everyone in that stadium, everyone at home watching on TV, felt that same conviction to the value of the lives we all have been given. It was palpable.
We are certainly a culture that worships sports and the men and women who bring the play into our living rooms. Let's face it, sports of all kinds are entertaining. Our seasons are not just months on the calendar but defined by the sports we enjoy.
Whether it's fall football, hockey or basketball, many of us can't wait for opening days. Others hunger for the first pitch and crack of the bat as baseball season gets under way or the first goal scored on the soccer field.
Golf fans look forward to seeing the professionals take to the courses around the world. Bull riding, NASCAR, gymnastics, barrel racing, the list goes on and on.
With all of these things, the bottom line simply can't be the score. Just ask the family and friends of Damar Hamlin.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.