When the threat of terrorism became a reality fifteen days ago, the events that followed were life-changing in scope.

The outpouring of emotion and compassion that the nation has witnessed in the wake of the recent crisis is truly remarkable.

The sympathy of millions of Americans is evident everywhere one looks, and patriotism seems very much alive.

The world of sports is no different. Nor is the world of sports reporting.

So I ask you to indulge me as I chip in my two cents about our national ordeal, and how it has breathed life into the sports clich of gaining perspective.

For the majority of professional athletes, unfortunate events often serve as a reality check, a reminder that they are not above human concerns.

For instance, when New York Yankee outfielder Bernie Williams father died last spring, it prompted him to do some internal reflection and ultimately helped him put the game into perspective.

Similarly, Eric Davis bout with cancer enabled him to finally recognize the big picture.

These are tragedies, that, everyday Americans deal with, too, in a much quieter fashion. At these times, even the most dedicated sports enthusiasts are sobered into leaving the world of their favorite team and returning to the real world. It is a world dotted with the same death, pain, and tenderness as that of any athlete.

In the past, the athletes loss has somehow always seems more significant, probably due to their prominent place in our culture.

That is not to say that athletes who lose someone or become ill do not merit sympathy. On the contrary, it poignantly illustrates their mortality, a vulnerability that the casualfan seems to usually ignore.

All that has changed now. Over the past two weeks, the sports world has experienced the heartache right along with the rest of us, and they, too, have felt the urge to try and help.

They have been right to do so.

New York Giants coach Jim Fassel was right to honor the bravery of New York City servicemen by sporting their hats last Sunday.

The Yankees were right to pay tribute, albeit a touch melodramatically, to the loss of life during a pre-game event. They were right to celebrate the endurance of the American spirit.