Superbowl Symbols

This NFL season has been loaded with symbols for me.

It was tough to see my beloved Green Bay Packers knocked out of the playoffs, and see the Favred-up Vikes move forward. However, the complicated emotions only start there.
The rest of the games have provided a series of symbols.

I admit I don't completely hate the Vikings. I lived in the Twin Cities for 7 years, and I remember the heartbreaking loss to Atlanta in 1999.

Also, as I wrote earlier this year, I met Deanna Favre several times when I was a news anchor in Green Bay and she was exceptionally helpful to me. The last time I saw her, we were both shopping in Kopp's supermarket and she was going though chemotherapy for her breast cancer. She looked so ill I did not want to disturb her, so it makes me happy to see her healthy again. For that alone, I could have cheered for the Vikings for one day.

But despite my conflicted feelings about the Vikes, It was hard not to be happy for the Saints.

I was brought to tears by coach Sean Payton's statement,“This stadium used to have holes in it and be wet. Not anymore. This is for the city of New Orleans."

My husband Ethan turned to me and said, "I hope they win."

As for their opponent...sigh.
First let me say, I have visited Indianapolis 4 times and I love it. It has a special energy, and wonderful people.

That being said, I don't like the Colts.

I am 43 years old and I grew up in Maryland. The Colt's crushing departure from Baltimore looms in my imagination, the way only a childhood memory can. Yes, Baltimore now has the Ravens, and everyone has moved on, but the Colts will always symbolize disloyalty to me. They were a much loved team, and their exit was shocking.

So today I will root for the Saints, it feels like their year. I wish the city a safe and joyful celebration.