I moved to New Orleans a year after the storm. Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on that glorious city, and among its innumerable wrongs, it displaced the Saints for a year. They spent the 2006/2007 season practicing and playing out in Texas, but come fall 2007, they were back. Back in the city, back in the Superdome, and back in action. Except maybe they weren't back in action- maybe it was more like they were in action for the first time ever. The Saints had been a notoriously awful team; they were nicknamed the 'Aints and their fans were said to wear paperbags over their heads to games because they were just so shameful. But that first year back in the 'dome after the storm, they were good. They were really good. And New Orleanians everywhere noticed.
I don't know how else to say it except that the Saints brought a ray of hope that year to a city that desperately needed it. They went to the NFC Championship game and lost, which was devastating, but still- I've got to come back to it- they brought hope.
The next two seasons, while not overwhelmingly awful, were also not particularly notable. But then, in the fall of 2009, things got crazy. The Saints were winning, and winning big. They won 13 straight games, and let me just say, those games were incredible. I spent Sunday afternoons with friends, eating jambalaya or gumbo, watching as Drew Brees and his buddies made one incredible play after the other, and more than once claimed a victory after starting the second half behind. All over New Orleans, people were intoxicated by the Saints. After so much heart ache, God had given 'the city care forgot' a reason to come together and cheer. It didn't matter how old you were or what color your skin was- if you lived in New Orleans, you were a Saints fan, and that made you family. It was the most beautiful thing to watch.
Of course, you know our happy ending. The Saints won the Superbowl that year, and never before have I been a part of such an amazing celebration. We ran out in the streets, yelling and cheering and dancing and congratulating neighbors, and then we headed down to the French Quarter. People everywhere were honking and laughing, running around giving strangers high fives. Excited doesn't even begin to describe it. For the first time EVER, the Saints had won the Superbowl. The euphoria lasted for weeks, which was easy since just two days after our win, we had a parade for our boys, our heroes, and then Mardi Gras season was fully in swing, with most floats celebrating our beloved team.
The Saints' journey to the Superbowl was one of the most euphoric experiences I've ever been a part of, and I'll never forget it. My love for the Saints will always be a part of my love for New Orleans, and that will always be a part of me.
 |
| Bourbon Street in the French Quarter the night the Saint's won the Superbowl |
 |
| Saint's Parade |
 |
| Cori and I, celebrating the Saints- WHO DAT! |
No comments:
Post a Comment