Personally, I think we were, by and large, pretty satisfied that the team had made it to the Superbowl. Nothing could take that away from them or wipe the smirks of pride from our faces.
No, I believe this event is so important to us because what the Saints really did went way deeper than just winning this season's ultimate football game. At a time, and for a long time, when our so-called leaders - city, state, and Federal - were doing everything in their power to divide and fracture the people of New Orleans, this team united us all instead. That was a good thing. It might even have had a little something to do with our recent election, when color lines evaporated, and people appeared to be voting for what was best for all of us, not just for the owners of the franchise.
We're all going to wake up soon enough and get back to work, but until then, this is the kind of dream you want to wallow in for a little while longer. Just five more minutes ... !
If you cannot comprehend what these past weeks have meant for us, then you should consider yourself fortunate. It means you've never suffered a loss nor empathized with anyone who has. Be grateful for what you have, and let us enjoy our metaphorical gumbo and red beans and rice.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I cried like a baby during the last few minutes of the game. I'm so happy for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThank you, baby. It's so lovely down here. People are walking around with smiles on their faces. They're hugging strangers on the street - more than usual. Picking up litter. It's like out of a Twilight Zone episode.
ReplyDeleteTruer words have never been spoken. There are times I really miss my New Orleans. Living away is painful some days. But this victory expanded New Orleans' boundaries beyond anything we could have imagined. All the way here, in Bradenton, Florida, I was back home in NOLA. It was great to be back.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound strange, but the Superbowl win has overwhelmed Mardi Gras. The locals just can't seem to focus. We're still in that last-Sunday-night state of mind.
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