I'm honestly shocked that I haven't brought this topic to a blog yet. A thing so promanant in my life should not be withheld. What was once a source of shame and embarrassment; a constant target for ridicule, has now become a source of pride and a beacon of hope.
What started as an outlet for enjoyment and something that I thought helped me relate to my peers eventually took me down a multi-decade spiral into a dark, depressing abyss that after a while, seemed impossible to escape. History has shown that this affliction is unparalleled in the way it pulls you in with promises of better times but ultimately shatters all hope right in front of your eyes and plummets you right back to the basement. Hiding from all the judgemental looks, uncontrollable smirks, and maybe the nicest of all, a disapproving head shake.
Luckily, all hope wasn't lost after all. The story hasn't been fully written yet but I can say, the past two years have been a different story. From what I can see, what was needed for the change was better coaching, a new culture, having a plan and sticking to it, and believing that anything is possible with God.
And of course, the affliction I'm speaking of is none other than that of a Detroit Lions fan.
If you know, you know. I've dealt with some torment in my life sure, but being a fan of this franchise has left scars that I thought could never be filled. Barry. 0-16. Calvin. All the post-draft/preseason hype, every year, just to watch everything that could go wrong, go wrong. At least Stafford won the Super Bowl for us, right?
I'm not going to go on and on but here we are, two seasons of some GREAT team football and it's because of the new culture, great coaching, great personnel decisions, and players with a passion to play for once. Their determination is inspiring and I am finally able to be completely proud of the Pride of Detroit. My mom was as big of a fan as I am so I know she's freaking out about it right now too. Go Lions!
Oh yeah, I've been sober for 2 years too...
