Disappointment

It's time to hang up my cheesehead, figuratively and literally, tonight. My 15-1 Green Bay Packers lost to the New York Giants in the second week of playoffs. It was actually their first playoff game, as last week was a bye (week off) for them, so you can't argue that more rest makes a team play better.

The problem with a person's favorite team going nearly undefeated all season, after a Superbowl win last season, is that you start to think they're invincible. That they might actually pull off a second straight Superbowl win. That no one can touch them.

I started to get a little nervous last week when I found out the Packers would be playing the Giants. They're one of the few teams who gave the Packers trouble this year. I was realistic, but remained optimistic. My optimism was shaken on the third play of the game, and never recovered. I held out hope until near the end, when the Giants' lead became insurmountable.

And yes, I do realize that it's "just football." There are far more serious issues going on right now for other people, and I'm reminding myself of that by the minute. But for now, this loss really stings and I need some time to come to terms with it. That's the problem with having high, and more likely, unrealistic expectations of someone else.

We drowned our sorrows in my newly-named Sorrow Soup as we watched the game. Earlier today when I decided to make Potato Leek Soup for supper, it seemed so fitting, almost celebratory. A savoury homemade soup for a really cold day, which boasted some Packer-inspired ingredients (I promise that wasn't planned) such as leeks and celery (green) and potatoes (yellow-ish). Instead, we slurped our soup as the Giants scored yet-more touchdowns and the Packers made yet-more mistakes. Statistically, this was likely their worst game of the season. I may never make this soup again. Never mind the fact that the entire family, plus a bonus child, raved about how delicious it was. Just like a sweet, juicy strawberry reminds you of summer, the taste of this soup will remind me of football heartbreak. Bitter indeed.

I've never actually liked the Giants as a football team, as it seems they are so often the ones to bring the Packers' playoff hopes to an end. This isn't the first time they've done this, and I still haven't properly forgiven them for the last time. I think the only time I've ever cheered for them was when they were in the Superbowl against my least favorite team, the New England Patriots. So when your two least favorite teams are up against each other, you've still got to pick someone. It could happen again this year. Lets hope San Francisco (shudder) or the Baltimore Ravens pull off an upset.

But, and it pains me to say this, there are a number of Giants players that, in other circumstances, I would gladly cheer for. There's just so much talent on that team. We watched a short documentary this afternoon about one of their star players, Jason Pierre-Paul. The son of Haitian immigrants, his father became blind when Jason was just 8 months old. His dad hasn't seen his son since he was a baby, never even seen him walk, let alone play football. He doesn't even know what his boy looks like! The story is inspiring, with elements of family support and connectedness, but it's heartbreaking too. Jason's dad has never been to one of his games, because it would likely be too much for him. Imagine knowing how successful your son is and then never getting to see him in action. I had tears in my eyes watching this, but I had to remind myself that this was an opposing player! It's these kinds of stories that get me attached - they tug at the heartstrings. The players themselves aren't to be hated - it's the team as a whole that does the damage.

So, I'm feeling in the depths of despair, as Anne would have said, but I'm reminding myself of just how happy Jason's dad must be tonight. How very proud. Apparently, he'll attend the Superbowl game if his son's team makes it there. That's what I'll hold on to.

There will definitely be a feeling of emptiness tomorrow, now that our football season is essentially over. But it's a new day, and I'm sure there will be lots of great reasons to smile.