Ok let’s do this. You know as a loyal Philly girl, you can be assured of my mentioning Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII. Patients and friends are all sporting their worn Eagles’ regalia. One very elderly man made sure to don his hat, T shirt and winter! jacket. “I knew you’d appreciate it Doc!” Camaraderie is everywhere. This morning I attended a new gym class (in my Eagles T shirt).What great serendipity when the instructor noticed and we discovered that we graduated same year from the same high school! Don’t concern yourself with the greasing of the flag poles to avoid people climbing them out of excitement. Just go with the energetic flow of fandom.

As young girls, my sisters and I enjoyed Sunday football with Dad. He worked incredibly hard for us, but took a few hours on that day to tuck into the den where we all watched the games. It was our special time with him. Meanwhile, Mom’s spaghetti “gravy” bubbled creating memories cherished forever. Those from Philly know their own children and grandchildren will gather with anticipation this Sunday creating new family memories to fill their hearts. The fans may do nutty things, but we should respect that the Philadelphia Eagles are an original franchise from 1933……90 years and have won only one Superbowl (5 years ago). So, being back in the hunt is huge for lifelong fans hoping for magic (or a “Philly Special”) again this Sunday.

What an experience like this does is powerfully and happily embrace us. Sure it is football, but the distraction is a welcome gift even for a day. As the Mummers bands play and fans sing “Fly Eagles Fly” we are grateful for their appropriate name. As you know, the Eagle is the bird that majestically soars the highest. In the wild, they are both regal and energetic. Bold and protective. They inspire.

Even if you are rooting for KC and Andy Reid. Even if you don’t care about the game or hype. Even if Rihanna isn’t your favorite talent, or you fall asleep at halftime, let’s take a moment to marvel that we can be removed far from drama for a fun day. If you are an Eagles fan, wherever you live, be proud. For us all, let’s be reminded that life still provides moments of inspiration and new opportunities to make traditions for a lifetime.

My Father would have delighted to see the Eagles as Superbowl Champs 5 years ago, but I know this weekend that my family, spread across many cities now, will represent. Not just because we have pride in our hometown team, but because a lifetime of loving memories will be wrapped in the day.

Go Birds!