Have you noticed that there is an increased amount of green all around? No, it's not an early spring. Punxatawny Phil took care of that. It is something else. It is a symptom.
You see, many of us Pennsylvanians have an illness that is highly contagious. It is called Eagles Fever. I confess, I have succumbed!
So, what are the symptoms? They include jubilation, exuberance, randomly spurting out the Eagles fight song and a need to utter "'How 'bout those Eagles?" to anyone who will listen!
This condition also alters our sense of fashion. The majority of our clothing features green, black and white. Oh, and now, it contains the words Super Bowl champions.
I am happy to say that this is a permanent condition. I have had it for as long as I can remember. I admit there were lean years when my condition went dormant, but with each new season, hope sprang eternal and green returned to my countenance.
It is quite an interesting phenomenon, to be sure. I have often noted how disasters and tragedies seem to unite us in an effort to make a difference or help out. We are united by a common cause, regardless of political views, race or gender.
But at the other end of the spectrum, in celebration there is also unity. We all come together to celebrate, in this case, our Eagles, our champions, who brought so much life and energy to a huge fan base.
Each step in the journey to the Super Bowl brought more and more excitement. There were beautiful examples of compassion, generosity and love. Donations of tickets to deserving fans, recorded messages of hope from some Eagles players for young victims of tragedy, filled our hearts and reminded us why this is our team.
Strangers smiled at each other, a passing "Go Birds" was commonplace among the many donning Eagles green. Rather than focus on differences, all those of us afflicted with Eagles Fever saw was a common goal.
As we savor this Eagles victory for a long time to come, let's take a play from their playbook. They worked as a team, a cohesive unit, one solid force. Remember to keep your team close by as you fight through tough times in your life, or celebrate the good times.
And remember to remain a loyal member of your team as your journey through this life, supporting each other.
Whether it be your family, friends, co-workers or fellow sports fans, keep pushing through. Create your version of the Tush Push; it will help to get you over the goal line.
We are Eagles fans. We are underdogs. We are champions. Thank you, Birds!