Before you read my blog… I’ve been noticing lately our world could sure benefit from more kindness, love and acceptance. I believe my blogs can help, even if to just grace a smile on someone’s face. Would you please help by sharing my blogs with someone who needs their day to be a little bit happier? with gratitude and love, allison
Hello Parade,
Oh, how I love you. You outdid yourself Friday in Philadelphia as the sun shone brightly, the sky a vibrant blue and a brisk breeze lifted the green shades of confetti high into the air until it swirled around the double-decker buses and down into the crowd. Those crowds, those crowds … how you quite literally made space for millions of Eagles fans for as far as the eye could see, and then some. You welcomed over a million people from all walks of life, ages and nationalities to squeeze into a five-mile parade route and cheer side by side, and on Valentine’s Day no less.
Courtesy of Claudette Noriega
Courtesy of Rosy Moorehead
In a time where our country seems to be breaking apart right and left, you gave Philadelphians a safe place to come together. A place to let our guard down, smile and feel hopeful. People were laughing, singing, dancing, crying and screaming from the tops of their lungs from bus stop tops, rooftops and treetops. Generations of families, endless groups of friends, youth football teams, old men standing alone, babies wrapped in blankets who’ll one day ask again to hear the story of how they were present and accounted for. And to all the law enforcement who handled the rest so we could relish in this once in a lifetime moment. And handle it they most certainly did.
Courtesy of Claudette Noriega
How do I know all this? Because I was one of the lucky ones who had a seat on a great big beautiful double decker bus. I witnessed it all firsthand and felt all the emotions too. I saw grown men cry and by grown men that includes not just the fans, but the coaches and players as well. It includes the video guys who break down hundreds of practice, game and meeting films. It includes the wives and significant others realizing the days of running the house and being solo were coming to an end. It includes buses filled with front office, building and cafeteria staff, equipment crew, fundraising gurus, bus drivers, media and ticket team. Perhaps not sexy roles but nonetheless imperative to ensure the smooth operation of the Philadelphia Eagles organization. I watched them all staring down Broad Street in utter disbelief.
Courtesy of Rosy Moorehead
Don’t get me wrong, winning the Super Bowl was wonderful and all, but it was wrapped up tightly in the unknown, anxiety, responsibility, pressure, and hope. But this day right here, in this moment of time was nothing but pure celebration and joy. No pressure, no keeping my expectations at bay, no worrying about the next game, next job or injured players. Today was to celebrate all things; relief for a job really well done. Gratitude for a team that held it together when others might have crumbled. Grace for a fan base that loves honestly with everything they have. Respect to an ENTIRE organization that makes me want to scream from the rooftops how proud I am to wear an Eagle on my chest. Admiration for all the spouses who handle it all, and I mean all, while their “person” works tirelessly at the football office. Lastly, compassion for all the children who lend their parent for the good of the team and have occasionally been known to defend their honor on a playground.
Being this is my second Super Bowl parade I had an idea of what was to come. I recall seven years ago being so overwhelmed I blacked out from emotion. This time would be different. I would be present. I made eye contact with those who held their spot for hours, and with the little ones pressed against the barriers. I worried as the crazy folk hung from tree limbs and balanced on rooftops. I cried with those who wore tear-stained faces. I tried like hell to stay present knowing our three grown children would document the day. With every inch of that parade, I felt the pure happiness, love and devotion of a crowd who wanted to give back the love they felt to their team. A feeling that was palpable and beautiful.
As the parade wrapped up and we headed home, I knew. I knew I had just experienced something monumental. But also, I knew this moment was coming to an end. I knew a certain kind of sadness was moving in. These people, this team, these coaches, these fans, this beautiful sunny cold February day was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to be cherished for always by everyone.
Hopefully we meet again my friend,
allison
A little thing you should know: This parade was one of the highest highlights of my entire life. It is abundantly clear to me I was born to parade! Need more proof? I also love a good tiara. Perhaps in a prior lifetime I was a Miss America? Or a Princess or a Queen? Regardless of the how or why, it is true. I could feel the crowd’s energy coursing through my body. I felt right at home sitting atop a bus going down Broad Street. I was waving, making eye contact, tearing up and yes, even blowing kisses too. I couldn’t have stopped myself if I tried. And with every happiness comes a little sadness … it’s all a part of this thing we call life.
