Everyone has an epiphany, even athletes.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4139091

After hearing Rick Ankiel's take on his brutal collision with the left center field wall in St. Louis the night before last. I feel compelled to write about his thoughts at that very scary moment.

The last thing that wet through Ankiel's mind before the collision was this.

"My career is finished.
I thought that might be it, the St. Louis Cardinal's outfielder said Tuesday. "When you don't get a chance to put up your hands to protect yourself, I'm lucky to be walking today. Anything from here is a plus."

The most inspiring words in my mind are "anything from here is a plus".

Unfortunately there are many people that do not have the opportunity to say those words and get to walk, talk or in fact live. There are so many time in sports that we see the worst possible scenario for players and athletes that suffer collisions like this one and do not have the opportunity to continue with their careers, let alone a normal life.

If you believe in karma, perhaps this was Ankiel getting what he deserves, a second chance. Yes, I am well aware that he used to be a pitcher until he came down with a career altering case of the "yips" but there were a few players that could not over come them. Please Mackey Sasser. But in Rick's case, he worked his tail off and his worked payed exponential dividends, in the likeness of another shot at another position in the major league.

I am sure that he will be grateful for everything he has, and I can only hope that he shares his experience with people that have been less fortunate.

Has anyone seen my lucky horseshoe?

Ahhh...the beauty of a fraction of an inch either way.