I think, on a general level, we all understand that a championship for a team means a celebration for a city. The Yankees win the World Series; the team parades in downtown Manhattan. The Lakers win the NBA Finals; Los Angeles revels in their glory.

But rarely do we truly place a city’s glory on par with a team’s title. What do we care if New Yorkers get to celebrate another championship, or if Pittsburgh natives get to rejoice in a Stanley Cup? For the most part, the unbiased sports-fan nation glorifies the team that wins the crown, not the region it represents.

Sunday was different.

Of the many defining shots of celebration, none could beat the revelry of Bourbon Street, packed to the brim with Saints fans going wild. It’s a celebration usually reserved for later in the month and Mardi Gras (although, if you’ve ever been to New Orleans in late January or early February, you know Mardi Gras is generally a season-long event anyway). This was exceptional, and this fan base definitely deserved it.

There’s been a lot of talk about how the Saints’ success has uplifted the city, and how their Super Bowl win — and the city’s fervor about it — proves how football is “more than just a game”. I’m a bit ambivalent about these sentiments, for a few reasons: first of all, the Saints’ victory doesn’t — by itself — get any homes rebuilt or neighborhoods rejuvenated. Secondly, a football team’s success shouldn’t validate a city’s self-worth. I mean, if the Saints had lost to the Colts, would that have tarnished New Orleans in any way? If they had never made the playoffs, would that somehow have been a pock mark on the city’s post-Katrina resilience?

But most importantly, the Saints’ success in some ways overshadows the determination and grit of the people of New Orleans, who have withstood the damage and held their ground amidst terrifying circumstances. I had the privilege of going down to the Crescent City last year at this time; I spent a week helping to rebuild a home through the very impressive St. Bernard Project. Amidst the many emotions I felt that week, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how the character and soul of the city still breathed so effervescently through it. That comes straight from the people — the small-town restaurant owners still making po’ boys, the street musicians rocking Canal St. at 4 pm on a Sunday, and the ordinary citizens who keep their smile and their heart through the worst of times.

It’s a testament to a city that will not be broken; in that respect, the Saints are almost as much of a reflection of their city as an inspiration to it.

(Although, let’s be clear, the Saints are absolutely an inspiration. The work of the players and coaches in the community has been absolutely stellar over the past few years; Drew Brees alone deserves all the accolades he gets for his off-field work. It’s truly impressive.)

And that’s why, ultimately, I’m so thrilled that New Orleans gets to celebrate this championship. It’s not because the city somehow needs it, or that the people are somehow validated by it. And it’s certainly not because a Super Bowl victory somehow makes the challenge of rebuilding any easier.

It’s because a city that has suffered through the worst of emotions now gets a chance to experience some of the best. And it’s because, in this rarest of moments, the joy of the championship team seems secondary to the joy of the city that gets to cherish it.

better, he had a bit of a setback, his staples got infected and they had to cut open his incision to drain the infection.  The he had a hematoma

in his leg.  He has his ups and downs with  his emotions so we all work real hard to keep his spirits up.  Gym has been going really well, working

on cutting my floor music with my mom, which I hope to get finialized this weekend.  Been playing Chuckee at work lately, which is kind of fun.

Getting ready to register for public school, this will be the 1st time in a classroom in over 5 years, exited and a little nervous at the same time.

I also had some exciting news, I got a car, yeah, no more sharing with mom, which wasn’t so bad at least I had a car most of the time.  But now

I have my own, and a very empty bank account to show for it.  Well I will be back more often now that things are smoothing out  at practice is

more intense.  Have a question, just ask away and I will be sure to respond…have a great day and a great week.

over the next couple of days.  He is holding on to his spirits and really looking forward to going home.  His pain was really bad yesterday and for

some reason just didn’t get under control but he is much better today (as far as the pain in concerned).  Once his blood count gets back to a safe

level, they will try to get him up again and get him using the crutches.  I have some other news to tell as well, but that will have to wait until

tomorrow..stay well all

during the operation so they are going to be watching him real careful for the next 24 hours.  He is in a lot of pain, but glad it is over and he can

now look towards the road to recovery.  It was a long night as I stayed at the hospital with him, but it was good and I was able to be there when

he woke in the middle of the night and just needed someone to talk to.  I am home for a little while and then going back to see him later tonight.

He needed some rest after the surgery.  I will keep you posted on his progress and then back to focusing on gym and my skills, he would not

want me to loose any more gym time for this.  Thank you everyone for their prayers and support.

was in good spirits most of the day, although he says he is a bit scared about going under even more then the surgery.   We watched Twilight, played

cards and just talked.  He had a lot of visitors and got a lot of fruit baskets today, the chocolate covered strawberry’s were the best.  They say that

he won’t be able to put any weight on his leg for about 10 weeks.  I am glad that I will be able to be there for him like he was for me back when I

broke my leg.  I will be spending the night at the hospital with him so that he is not alone, because Cheryl, his wife, has to be home with their son

Preston, who is only 12 weeks old.  My mom and dad will be here tomorrow morning before the surgery as well as Cheryl and I.  Thank you to

everyone who has visited and for all their well wishes…until tomorrow..have a good night.  See his stories on these links. 

 http://www.forsythnews.com/news/article/2806/  and http://www.atlantabike.org/node/1165

along really well.  I have been talking to Eastern Michigan who has expressed an interest in me joining their team…can you say scholarship hopes.

My friend Milan just accepted an offer from Iowa State (full scholarship) way to go girl.  I am waiting on University of Kentucky to get back to me..

I am very hopeful with them.  My foot is still not were I want it to be, back to the doctor in a week, hopefully we can just stick the needle in, get the

fluid out and move on…it has been way to long for this.  Well back to school work and relaxing with family this evening.  Thanks for joining me.