Jubilation

People will always remember where they were and what they were doing when the Riders won the Grey Cup, at Mosaic Stadium, no less, in 2013.  The team designed to win it all at home did just that--against great odds.  Life doesn't often deliver the fairy tale ending.  Like so many others, I want to register my thoughts on this generational event.

1.  I am delighted for the whole team, but, in particular for quarterback Darian Durant and GM Brendon Taman.  Those two individuals bore the unrelenting angst of a dissatisfied vocal minority.  I admire the clarity of their vision, and their perseverance.  They deserve the unimaginable feeling of accomplishment in which I hope they will both revel today and in the weeks and months to come.  

2.  The Riders are a cultural phenomenon.  They galvanize an entire province, and the legion of their supporters extends around the world.  You don't have to know anything about football, or even like football, to get caught up in the magic.  Their aura transcends sport.

3.  I did my part to assure a Grey Cup victory.  Although I did wear green on Sunday, I could not wear my Rider shirt.   My intuition told me that the team did not have a winning record when I wore the shirt, so out it went.  Now, I need reliable data.  So the plan for next season is to wear the shirt for each game I watch, and track the team's success.

4.  I heard a few fans comment that yesterday was the best day of their lives.  Good for them. I'm glad they had a good time.  Although I applaud the convincing victory,  I will never measure the worth of my days by the success of a sports team, even the Riders.

5.  I will buy the book that will chronicle the alignment of the pieces that created the fireworks for Grey Cup 2013.