For those of you who are not Steelers fans, you are probably wondering where I am going with this thought. But for those of you who are Pittsburgh Steeler fans you know where I am going--to watch the precursor to the Super Bowl as the Steelers face the Ravens. Today is a great day, not just because it is the Lord's Day but because it is a quasi holiday for my family.
The sport and game itself is big but the tradition and opportunity for spirit and fellowship has extended all my life, my father's life and my grandfather's life. Some of my fondest family memories growing up were times we sat surrounded by family and friends to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, my Dad hardly made enough money to pay our bills, but we had the first color TV in our neighborhood. There's a whole process we go through to prepare for this big event: my Terrible Towel had to laundered, pressed and put in position, friends and family had to be invited to come, the traditional foods had to be prepared, and yes all week we have talked strategy and probability of our success today. Like my father, I am a die hard. I remember well the days of Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, the Steel Curtain and the Immaculate Reception. I remember the excitement and joy having this extend for several years in a row. Some might say I'm even a bit of a fanatic about this tradition. I have strong opinions about the offensive strategy and how Big Ben will need to perform today to be successful.
The truth of it all is I will win regardless of the outcome of today's game because I will be surrounded by all three of my children and many friends. In fact, the tradition lives on as my grandchildren-- Taylor and Mason have been indoctrinated in to this family tradition. They will be here to feel the spirit of what this quasi holiday brings to family,fellowship and fun! So, Here We Go Steelers. Here We Go...Pittsburgh's Going to the Super Bowl!
The sport and game itself is big but the tradition and opportunity for spirit and fellowship has extended all my life, my father's life and my grandfather's life. Some of my fondest family memories growing up were times we sat surrounded by family and friends to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, my Dad hardly made enough money to pay our bills, but we had the first color TV in our neighborhood. There's a whole process we go through to prepare for this big event: my Terrible Towel had to laundered, pressed and put in position, friends and family had to be invited to come, the traditional foods had to be prepared, and yes all week we have talked strategy and probability of our success today. Like my father, I am a die hard. I remember well the days of Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, the Steel Curtain and the Immaculate Reception. I remember the excitement and joy having this extend for several years in a row. Some might say I'm even a bit of a fanatic about this tradition. I have strong opinions about the offensive strategy and how Big Ben will need to perform today to be successful.
The truth of it all is I will win regardless of the outcome of today's game because I will be surrounded by all three of my children and many friends. In fact, the tradition lives on as my grandchildren-- Taylor and Mason have been indoctrinated in to this family tradition. They will be here to feel the spirit of what this quasi holiday brings to family,fellowship and fun! So, Here We Go Steelers. Here We Go...Pittsburgh's Going to the Super Bowl!
Real fans are Steeler fans - it runs much deeper than football - if you are not a Steeler fan you don't even know what you are missing! No matter where you live or where you go - Steeler fans are one FAMILY!!!
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