‘Cause we are the champions… of the world! (Queen ’77). Stanley Cup, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, March Madness, World Cup, US Open, now World Series… Everyone loves championships! If your favorite person or team is involved, even better. People enjoy the distraction sports provides.

Mr. Martin discussed his time in D.C. when the team was the Washington Senators and moved to Arlington Texas in 1972. Without a team for 33 years, Washington finds themselves this week in the World series (with Huston Astros) for the first time since 1933! “Doc, worse than having a losing team was having no team at all. We were abandoned. I loved taking my kids to the game on family day. To see a team in my lifetime make it to the series is a gift from God!” His eyes sparkle, he puffs out his chest and 700 miles away in Jacksonville, he is rooting for a home team winner.

Mr. Martin didn’t expect to see this day because he has stage four lung cancer and has lived well for three years. Immunotherapy, found to be effective for his type, is keeping it under control and he is thrilled. Mr. Martin believes he was meant to live for these games. He ties his own wellness to their success.

There is only one issue that matters in this story: Mr. Martin has found an event that captures his imagination. This fills him with joy, lifts his spirits, boosts the immune system fighting his lung cancer. It doesn’t take an IV, hours in the chemo chair, beams of radiation, recovery from side effects or cost of healthcare. It is a shot in his arm of pure goodness and life that doctors do not prescribe.

I understand that not everyone will feel this engaged with the Series, but Mr. Martin demonstrates how easy it is to find a happy engagement in life and is available to us all. It may be a grandchild’s graduation, a son’s wedding, a spouse’s good news, the birth of a new baby, so many events in our own life that help us to celebrate with the champions.

Life didn’t throw you a curve ball so that you can strike out. Difficulties happen that give us opportunities to overcome and bring elation into the heart. There really is no time for losers, we can cheer the champions or become one ourselves. Each one of us must have awareness for the brave and proud unfolding of our lives and raise a toast to our spirits.