“It’s hard. Four years ago, there were holes in this roof.” New Orleans Saints Coach, Sean Payton
Those were the words that resonated in my mind as I watched in glee and pride as the New Orleans Saints made their historical score into their first Super Bowl. I have been an avid Saints fan for all of my life, had season tickets for several years until hurricane Katrina blew them away. Until then, I had not missed a single home game, since returning to my native state.
As one can imagine, the fans here in Louisiana lost their sanity for a moment, as we realized, that finally, we had reached the promised land. The sky literally lit up as we Cajuns set off fireworks. The sounds of reverie, horn blowing, and a chorus of “Who Dat!” could be heard.
It is much more than football, that we Louisianans celebrate. Though we chant and cheer for our team, we remember the Super Dome at a much worse time. The ghastly images of utter human despair after Katrina. Such contrasting events of misery to jubilation. The Saints were as homeless after Katrina, as were some of the people of New Orleans. We remember that triumphant return for the first home game after the repairs to the roof of the dome were completed. It was so much more than repairing of the structure, it became the symbol of repairing the city, the people’s psyche, it gave hope. Our trip to our first Super Bowl brings us ever closer to healing.
Some have asked,” Isn’t it time to move away from Katrina?” We are now one step closer, always moving in that direction. We march on in hope.
Whether the Saints win the Super Bowl or not, we are winners, as Peyton Manning is a native son. The Manning’s have long called New Orleans home. Archie Manning was quarterback for the Saints. He and his family have done well by New Orleans through personal support in every way. A few years ago, while standing outside the dome, I got a chance to meet him and chat a bit. He still had a firm grip as he shook my hand. Mostly what I remember, was his gentle humility as we spoke, and that he looked into my eyes as we talked. Milling around with the rest of we Saints fans. Louisiana should let him cheer his son, just this once. He has proven his loyalty to us at every other time. This time, he plays as a daddy. I say, it is the only way. Blood is thicker than even gumbo.
Any way the Super Bowl turns out, we march on in hope. Just like the roof of the dome, holes in hearts are being repaired as well.
We march on to Miami. Payton vs Peyton
I’ll be cheering for the Saints! Who Dat?
Jojoami
Marching On To Miami27 January 2010, 6:09 pmSource: The Ovum Office
Novelist Bunnies: Do you write in order? 
