Passion

   Well, it has been over a week since the Super Bowl and I have finally calmed down enough to describe my feelings.  I was born and raised in New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.  As a result, I grew up rooting for all of the Philadelphia sports teams (Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Seventy-Sixers, and Athletics…yes I am old enough to have been a fan of the Philadelphia Athletics, before they moved to Kansas City and eventually to Oakland California.)

     Since the inception of the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles have never won.  That’s why this year’s Super Bowl was such an exciting event for all Philly fans.  In addition, they were playing the Patriots, a dominant team in recent years.  What was special about the Patriots is that half of my family (sister, brother-in-law, nephew and his family, and one grandson) are big Patriots fans.  So this year’s Super Bowl was a dream come true; a game of significant rivalry between two of my family’s favorite teams.  It could not be more exciting!

     No true Eagles fan can ever watch an Eagles game without being nervous and anxious.  So many times the Eagles have lost the game in the last few minutes or even in the last few seconds.  And the Patriots, with their quarterback, Tom Brady, were notorious for last minute wins.  So this game was destined to be a nail-biter…and it was.

     Miraculously, the Eagles held on to win.  Their first Super Bowl win!!  What joy it brought to all of us who have rooted for them all these years.  And what fun to be able to tease those family members who were rooting for the Patriots.  It made for a memorable day!

     What does it mean to be a fan?  The word is supposedly derived from the word, “fanatic”.  And it seems to be appropriate since most fans are “fanatical” about their team.  Many who are not sports fans often do not understand why people get so passionate about their sports teams.  To them, it is just a game.  While true that it is just a game, it goes beyond that for any true fan.  It becomes personal, an extension of the passion that one develops for a team and the players.  It is true that win or lose, life will go on.  But life without passion for a sports team would be dull and boring.  

     I hope you develop a passion for something.  It does not have to be a sports team, but maybe a hobby or your profession.  Having passion in your life ignites a spark that adds such enjoyment to being alive.  So, be passionate and keep that spark present in you throughout your life.  You will not be disappointed!

Fly Eagles Fly!