For all the Saints

Well, the day football fans have been dreading since August is here. Football season officially ended last night, and I don't think it could've ended on a better note! I will admit that from 1994-1997 Peyton Manning was definitely not my favorite CFB player. Despite that he's still a Volunteer through and through, I think he's a great player and good role model. With that said, I was definitely pulling for the Saints. No city needed that win more than the city of New Orleans.

There is no way that one Super Bowl win could heal the damage done by Katrina - to suggest otherwise is unthinkable. One win can't erase the images of people stranded on roof tops begging for help. It can't erase the feeling of utter despair that permeated the Superdome as Crescent City residents waited desperately for the flood waters to recede. But at the same time, it's so hard to forget the hopefulness of that first game for the Saints back home the next year and how that team took the city on its back and helped begin the process of renewal.

New Orleans has always had a special relationship with its quarterbacks. Despite presiding over one of the worst eras in NFL history, Archie Manning is beloved all over town. Danny Wuerffel was far from a star QB, but through Desire Street Ministries continues to be involved and invested in New Orleans. And now Drew Brees has helped bring incredible joy to his adopted hometown. Drew's story has been told over and over the past week, including signing as a free agent to taking a "wrong" turn his first time in town to how much he and his family have invested in their new city.

At the end of the game, this was a story we all needed to watch unfold. Sure there are cities that are synonymous with their respective teams, but never has a city needed a team like this so much, and some might doubt this team would've made it this far without the frenzied support of the Who Dat nation. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, this group of Saints felt just a little closer to heaven.

On to the party menu - I was really excited to have some friends over for my first entertaining opportunity in my "new" place. Standard football fare was served including bourbon meatballs (courtesy of Southern Living), hot spinach dip with Rotel, wings, and a great recipe for Smokey Cowboy Caviar thanks to The Starter Wife (Sarah Sprague) over at blackandgoldtchotckes.com Good food, good friends, and a good time was had by all.

Have a great week y'all!