(View of the NEW Downtown "Sixburgh" skyline.)
Well, I wouldn't believe it until I picked them up at the airport, but Dad & Mom made it to South Florida for the Super Bowl. Finally, after 15 years, they would be attending a game with all our friends at the Iron City Pittsburgh Club of South Florida.
I could tell, Dad's mind was on Sunday's game from the moment he picked up his luggage in Fort Lauderdale, on Thursday. When it was, finally, time to gather our Terrible Towels and head over to the Bru's Room, the intensity level had reached an all-tme high, and things became very serious.
In addition to this being "The Big Game" we, also, were aware that it was "closing night" for this Bru's Room location - where the ICPC of SFL has been gathering since the 2004-2005 season. Safe to say, we all wanted to believe that we'd be bidding our final farewell, taking only the happiest of memories with us.
For all the hype I'd given Dad & Mom over the past 15 years, they had to be questioning my judgement, as they approached the entrance to the Bru's Room.
But, once I pushed our way through the line waiting out the door, I walked them into a Steelers Fan's Haven! I cannot thank Rick and Don and Becky and Phyllis, enough... For when we arrived, we found THEE VIP SEATS reserved, under "Kevin & Family."
Rick, Don, Becky, Phyllis...you guys are the best.
Straight away, things were kicked off with Jell-O shots, provided by the ICPC of SFL. Dad & Mom jumped right in, eliminating any concern - on my part - that I may have taken them, too far, out of their element.
The excitement was elevated early, when the Steelers scored on the opening drive!
(Press PLAY > .)
Unfortunately, the TD call was overturned, and the Steelers had to settle for a FG. However, "confidence" was high, and Rick took the opportunity to show off his brand new tattoo.
In the 2nd Quarter, the Steelers took a 10-0 lead, and Dad & Mom were truly on their way to becoming honorary members of the ICPC of SFL.
Given that tonight was the "last night" - no matter what the final score - we didn't hesitate to celebrate the Steelers' early success.
Then...the UNIMAGINABLE! ...James Harrison takes an INT 100 yds for a TD! - THE GREATEST PLAY IN SUPER BOWL HISTORY! (This clip begins after we've built up emotions over 90 yards - just before Harrison crosses the goal line... Then...we await the offical's ruling on the penalty flag...TOUCHDOWN!!!)
With a 17-7 lead going into halftime, and the momentum in favor of the Steelers, Rick was hungry for more!
The 3Q started out well, as the Steelers Defense recorded its 2nd sack of the game.
But, the Cardinals started to demonstrate how they had earned the right to be playing in the Super Bowl. The celebrations we'd shared earlier, turned to prayer.
At this point, the Steelers were up 20-14. However...the Cardinals were gaining momentum, and a very different, very focused tone was taking over the room.
Fortunately, the Steelers' Defense had been spectacular all season. So, us Steelers fans were putting all of our faith, in that, they could "do it" just one-more-time, and hold off the Cardinals' attack.
I was growing more intense with every play.
Despite our prayers, things continued to go in favor of Arizona. With a safety, the Cardinals were now down, only 20-16.
THEN...things got worse....the Cardinals got the ball with 2:58 left in the game, and converted a 64 yard TD to take the lead at 23-20. The Arizona Cardinals were a few short minutes from becoming Super Bowl Champions.
The Steelers, then, got the ball with only 2 minutes 37 seconds left in the game. My thoughts were very simple, "This can't be happening... This won't happen."
With 42 seconds left in the game...the Steelers took the snap...and converted a 6 yard completion to finish off an 88 yard drive for - what would be - THE WINNING TD! (This clip begins just before the play starts.)
However, the Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling...which was upheld.....TOUCHDOWN!!!
The place went CRAZY!
MOM went CRAZY!
Feeling that this was a moment I would want to remember forever, I celebrated while trying to capture as much as I could on film.
It was incredible... For 15 years, I've been telling Dad & Mom about my "Steelers Family" down here in Florida. Every Sunday, I call Dad dozens of times, during the game - wishing he were with us. (They know every name of our "Steelers Family" members.) He raised me a Steelers fan, and if you know anything about the organization, you know that's a statement about your character, as well as, your football affiliation. I tell people, all the time, that "Dad raised me a Steelers fan." I tell them that I can remember being allowed to stay up late to watch the Steelers beat the Rams in Super Bowl XIV, when I was 8 years old.
This was special.
From across the room, "Steeler Don" knew it, too.
We've been watching the games, together, for 15 years - as have Vince and I.
There really is a unique bond among Steelers fans. It's something that - in itself - is very special.
Getting back to the game...the Steelers did retake the lead...However, we did - eventually - have to TRY to collect ourselves, because the game wasn't over, yet...
NOT UNTIL another Steelers Defensive sack and fumble recovery sealed the victory!
Mom & Dad enjoyed the moment, as we all did.
Then, once again, the ICPC of SFL stepped up and started handing out cups of champagne, as we all joined in singing, "We Are the Champions."
Wearing his Christmas gift from us, this picture was taken before Dad & Mom got on the plane for Florida. The Monday after the Super Bowl, he said he felt like he,"accomplished what he set out for, when he boarded that flight." (Since then, he claims he's watched the game over 10 times.)
I say, he makes sure he plans a visit to the Iron City Pittsburgh Club of South Florida for February 2010!
Is it football season, yet?HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!
