We can all think of examples of that. Buzzer-beaters in the NCAA basketball tournament these past two weeks. One team ecstatic, the other in the depths of despair. Watching the conclusion of the Senior Tour event last Sunday, we saw Hale Irwin in the announce booth at the conclusion of his round - he was in the lead by one shot with Hubert Green, his closest competitor, still on the course. Two putts to get down.
Every shot makes somebody happy.
Junior comes to Dad and demands his portion of the inheritance, takes the loot and heads off only to blow it all in high living, eventually having to take a job feeding pigs. Finally he decides that life back home was infinitely more appealing, so he heads back to what turns our to be a joyous reunion. It has been called the greatest short story ever written. It is a great comfort, especially to those who have led really wretched lives. But that is only half the story.