Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
--Abraham Lincoln
The New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl. And it is an amazing time in history for this team, this city, this state. It's never been done before. This is new ground for us. And it feels great.
It feels so good right now to be a Saints fan. People are wearing their black and gold with pride. Cars and homes are adorned with fleur de lis and WHO DAT signs. People are smiling and more friendly than I have ever seen them.
Almost five years ago, I was in a hotel room with my husband, 2 daughters and 2 dogs watching Louisiana & Mississippi being devastated by Katrina. You don't even have to say "Hurricane Katrina." You can just say "Katrina" and people know exactly what you're talking about. Anyway...I was watching the destruction. I was crying. I was nauseated and anxious and terrified. I saw footage of the power of Mother Nature and what she is capable of and my heart was broken in a million pieces for people who lost their lives, their homes, their jobs, their business, their purpose. If you had told me then that one day in the near future, the people of Louisiana would be smiling wider than they ever had before because of a Saints Superbowl, it would have been extremely hard for me to visualize.
I've always been a Saints fan. Always wanted to see them win. Everyone in Louisiana did, I'm sure. For the last four years, my husband and I have been season ticket holders. And in that time, I can honestly say that I have never seen my husband so happy. This man is all about the Saints. He not only goes to the games, but he listens to Saints radio, watches Saints media, reads about the Saints, wears a Saints shirt all of the time and listens to music (loudly) if it's about the Saints. My husband is walking on air right now. And I'll admit, so am I.
If you had told me that I would one day PRAY for a football team or CRY about a football team, I would have told you that you were insane. But it really happened. This Saints team and their Superbowl win is about so much more than football. This group of men has inspired everyone watching. How could they not? They reminded all of us that with perseverance, hard work and determination we can make our dreams come true, too.
Thank you, Saints. It's been one hell of a ride. I am honored to be one of your fans. And I am elated to share this moment in history with my family and friends.
