As Thanksgiving approaches, Ideastream sports commentator Terry Pluto spent some time reflecting about why sports holds a special place in people’s lives.

Pluto is a sports columnist for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, but he doesn't see himself as working in the sports department.

"I work almost in the diversion department,” Pluto said. “Sports is a diversion from real life.”

While sports is entertainment, it's also a source of connection and comfort, he said. And that's been evident when he's had meaningful conversations with people in waiting rooms at hospitals and doctor’s offices.

“You know, you might be talking to the person next to you. ‘Oh, yeah, mom's having cancer surgery,’ and ‘Oh, we, you know, we're worried about this heart problem,’ and that. But after about 10 minute

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