Strange Days and Picture Postcards

strange days and picture postcards

Okay, this still isn't the work of brilliant fiction I promised you all in the last heart-to-hearts that I sent out. But it's time for a little perspective. Honestly, the last two e-mails I sent out to the mailing list were anything but happy. I'm trying to change the tone here…

“God doesn't care for your benevolence anymore than he cares for the lack of it in others” — Nick Cave

Let's talk sports. We've got a series here. Watching the Sixers play has had an effect on this town that I've never seen before. Even when the Flyers got to the finals, nobody got as fired up as the city of Philly is right now. The closest we've come is the Phillies in 1993. Why? Well, it's all about heart, frankly. Watching a team that never gives up no matter what the odds is a beautiful thing. It's a Philly thing. The Mariners may be on a win streak like nobody's business, but who can touch John Kruk's quote, “I'm not an athlete, I'm a baseball player.” Similarly, when Allen Iverson asked Larry Brown where he found Raja Bell, Brown only thumped his heart.

Is it possible? Dear Lord, can it be? I said before this series ever started, never underestimate the power of heart over arrogance. But is it arrogance we're watching and fighting against? I hate myself for saying it, but the Lakers might be the most overall talented team I've ever seen. If it comes to it, we should be honored to lose to them.

But it might not come to that.

Quitting is not a factor anymore. This is the finals. The Colorado Avalanche proved that point. Ye Gods, they just beat the Devils 4-0. That's what finals are all about. You see the edge of the canyon and decide not to jump in. You fight against everything in the world to keep your footing. It's not easy, and it shouldn't be. Look at Ray Bourque. He's done. Far too old to still be playing in the NHL. But he's an eight-time all-star who has never won a Stanley Cup. Is he going to quit? Not a chance. Watch Dikembe Mutombo. Certainly his playing days are a season or two away. Is he going to quit? Not a chance. Especially not with an Allen Iverson-Speedy Claxton-Raja Bell front line coming out next year.

Championships are never to be taken lightly. A win is not a birthright. Just ask the Lakers and the Devils.

“Fatigue is a military uniform…” — Allen Iverson

Admittedly, the year “two-thousand-fun” has been anything but. Yeah, I've dealt with a world of shit. Honestly, I keep expecting myself to fall into a horrible depression. But it hasn't happened.

I wrote a while ago about how I moved back to Philly yearning to be with dear friends that I have barely seen since I moved back. That hasn't changed. I still barely see so many people dear to my heart. What makes the difference is what happens when I see them.

Tonight, I sat with some of the most beautiful people to grace this world. We don't see each other much anymore, but when we do, we make the most of it. I was reminded of my going away party here four years ago. In that night, people from every crowd showed up — bikers, artists, writers, musicians, and drunks. Maybe I haven't been able to get them all to hang out together since I came back, but that doesn't mater. I know that they always have my back.

Tonight reminded me of a lot of things. Lee, Matt, Will, Pete, Denise, Max, Devin, Tabby, Shin, Sidney, Seth, Rachel, Eric, Papaya, Jen, Steve, Tara, Josh and everyone else whom I haven't run into in the past few weeks or months or years. I am constantly reminded by these people why I still have faith in the world, why I haven't given up yet. In August, if all goes well, I'll make another trip through Seattle, and I'm sure I'll get the same reaction from everyone there.

What am I saying through all of this? I'm saying thank you. Thank you all of my friends for making a crazy ride an entertaining one. Thank you for convincing me to stick around. Thank you for everything. I have yet to make friends with anyone who hasn't made my life that much better and more enjoyable. For that I am blessed.

Everyone has their own strength. It's the additional strength that those around them gives them that makes the difference. Fatigue? Not a chance. There's too many nights ahead to feel fatigue.