Moments

On Saturday, the 13th of May, Liverpool played West Ham United in the final of the FA Cup 2006. They overame a one goal deficit twice, on one occasion in the 91st minute, to draw 3-3 at fulltime to take the game to extra time and finally to penalties, where Liverpool ultimately won 3-1.
After a disastrous own goal by Carragher which gave WHU a 1-0 lead, the tone seem to be set for a another big stage upset. But it was one man, Stevie Gerrard, who as always, proved just what his right foot is capable of, slamming in two equalizers and creating a chance for Cisse, who was more than happy to oblige.

That is exactly what this encounter will be remembered for - those magical moments.

Isn't this what life is all about? Are't our lives defined by those unforgettable moments.. some magical.. some plainly disastrous?
Gerrard's double blows against West ham, evoking memories of that unforgettable Champions league final in 2005 against AC Milan, will go on to define his life. His life and times will precipitate down to a few seconds, a few moments. Moments of glory, of pride, of self realisation, of jubiliation... of humble pride.

The history of the world hinges on moments. The symbolic tearing down of the Berlin wall, the historic(yet reluctant) handshake between Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin, Richard Nixon showing a shadow of an emotion on national television after the Watergate Scandal, Kapil Dev lifting the 1983 cricket world cup against all odds, Rubens Barichello getting his first grand prix victory in 128 starts, Alexander the Great's untimely death at 32.... the list is endless..

But what lends immortality to these moments does not lie in what transpired after them, but what could have transpired had these moments not taken place - Ever thought what the world map would look like had Alexander not had his untimely death?

Another fascinating aspect about these moments is that they either propel underdogs to stardom, or put a rude end to earstwhile behemoths.

Is it the law of averages at work? Or is it plain eccentric luck. Whatever it is, it teaches the world one thing.. sooner or later, there will be compensation, there will be redemption. It could take you higher than the stars, or push you to abyssmal depths of oblivion. Wherever it takes you, it will be...