It was a beautiful thing

Yes, Virginia. I am a soccer fan.
I learned the nuances of the game as a defensive player on my grade school team and eventually became a goalie in pickup games with French friends and Australian relatives.
As much as I loved it, my athletic prowess was limited so my"career" was short-lived. In high school, I documented the triumphs of our championship team as a student reporter with the Greenwich Time.
Today I can name Europe's top teams and easily recognize the world's best players. I am watching lots of World Cup matches.
I am not alone.
Earlier this week, thousands of Americans gathered in bars and at public viewing parties. We watched a U.S. team take on its nemesis, Ghana. We cheered when our boys took an early lead, agonized when Ghana tied the score, and celebrated when a late goal secured the victory.
For a few brief hours, nothing else mattered. Not world events. Not politics. Not religion.
We stood as one.
It was a beautiful thing.
Until next time, "That's life..."