The Vikings and your family

Well, they've done it again.  Deep down, we all knew how the story would end, but the pain (actually, frustration is still there).  For those of us who have never experienced a Viking Superbowl (maybe that's for the best, actually) it just doesn't feel like the team will ever make the big game.  The Superbowl has seemed like something that we will never experience.  As I mourn yet another lost Viking season, I have realized that I need to take on a different approach to the way that I deal with this loss, because this year, I was watching the season end with my daughter in my arms.

Watching and playing sports will likely be a family tradition.  Swearing and throwing things after a loss will not, however.  For better, or for worse, the Vikings own Minneapolis from August through January (and maybe one day, February).  When they Vikings are playing well, things are good.  When they end as they did tonight, things aren't so good.  My fandom (along with everything else) has changed dramatically since our little angel arrived in April.  So, this year, my reaction to the heartbreak will have to change, as well.

Sure, the game was hard to swallow, but as the field goal from the Saints' kicker sailed through the goal posts, I looked down at my daughter and realized that, while the loss wasn't a good thing, it's wasn't the worst thing.  My potential anger quickly subsided as I looked around the room and saw what really mattered, my family.  While a Superbowl party which included the Vikings would have been a great way to spend Superbowl Sunday, as I looked at my wife and daughter I quickly realized that the two most important guests were already slated to be in attendance.  Maybe I'm just in shock and the pain will come later, but for now it's time to get our little angel ready for bed, and I couldn't be any happier.  Skol Family!