Long Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Almost 20 years ago, SWMBO bought tickets to a Lightning game as a birthday present. I had been a casual hockey fan before that, having grown up around beach sand and chlorinated swimming pools. But, I have always been a sports fan, and Tampa Bay had a hockey team since 1992. Who ever thought Florida could support hockey? Because a large portion of our population came from somewhere cold, and brought their fandom with them, it turned out to be a perfect fit. So, we went, and it took awhile to learn the rules, and figure out what blue lines, and red lines, and icing, and other things meant. The graceful movement of athletes gliding across ice was fascinating, and we became fans. Then, in a magical year, the Lightning won it all, and we experienced the thrill of a championship team. We got to spend 15 minutes alone with the Cup, and this photo is a prized possession. When Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman hoisted the Cup last night, it brought me back, and gave me chills again. Whatever tragedy or upheaval occurs in the world, there are some things that bring joy. The communal joy of sports and hard work and accomplishment under stress are the human things that should be celebrated.

Comments

[Jay]

Love the pic. Props to the Lightning. And the Rays for advancing.