Tragedy reminds us that nothing is guaranteed

GREEN BAY - Today’s shootings in Newtown, Conn., once again makes each of us realize how precious life is and that nothing is guaranteed.

A senseless man who’s name does not deserve to be printed here killed more than 20 people today, including 20 kids between the ages of 5-10. As a father of three boys — one in second grade, one in preschool and a 2-year-old — I can’t imagine what parents are going through after losing their children to an incredible tragedy.

Each day we send our kids off to school or daycare and never give it a thought we won’t see their smiling faces again. We don’t think tragedy can strike close to home and I’m sure people in Newtown felt the same way, but Friday we were remembered nothing is guaranteed.

I live most of my life in the sports world — covering high school sports, watching my kids play sports and watching sports with my kids. We’ve developed a bond that is unbreakable and I think after a tragedy like today there’s a reason sports is so important but not often thought about.

Sports can be an island we can go to when things like this happen. Not to forget what happened, but maybe for two hours enjoy a good basketball game with fans cheering their classmates on the basketball court.

The greatest part of my job is meeting and talking to kids. Not any one of them is the same and every time we talk I always leave with a positive impression.

So much good in every kid I meet.

The tragedy of Friday is the kids who lost their lives will never be able to step on a basketball court, or any other sports arena, because of what one person did. The tragedy will affect families forever; nothing will ever be the same for those people.

This act was one of the most senseless acts I can think of in my life. If only we could turn back time and make things right.

We can’t do that, however, we have to move on and make the best of things, and that has to be impossible for the affected families and friends of today's tragedy.

Before I left for work today, I gave my 2-year-old a hug and a high-five and then drove my 4-year-old to preschool, where I coddled him and rubbed his head. Earlier in the day, I dropped off my 8-year-old at school and told him I love him. I do that for two reasons, I do love him and because it makes him smile.

Those smiles are priceless, and those smiles were stolen today in Newtown for no good reason.

So, yes, tonight I’m looking forward to going to a boys basketball game. I can’t wait to watch Green Bay Southwest and Ashwaubenon battle.

The game will be fun and for those going to watch their sons, grandsons, brothers or friends at a game tonight, win or lose afterwards, give that kid a hug. It doesn’t matter what age they are, let them know you love them, because remember, nothing is ever guaranteed.

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay

doug.ritchay@wluk.com