A bitter, winter's rain pelts the car as I arrive home. Ting, our beloved Golden Retriever,
is waiting for me. The product of two centuries of successful breeding,
he sits on the porch where it's dry. Ting has faith. Faith that we will love and care for him.
Faith that we will, eventually, let him back inside.
Faith in a higher power is, to quote Martha Stewart, "a good thing." It helps us realize our
place in the universe and guides us through everyday activities and relationships.
Faith in a team which does battle in the National Football League is something quite different.
Each year, usually around June, I begin contemplating the upcoming football season. I am
not driven by my gambler's instincts or my disdain for fantasy league participation, I
am driven by my faith. You see, I have faith in the New York Jets.
Like many people, my faith began in childhood, for it was a time when I observed things that my
Father could not explain. A brash young quarterback, with long hair no less, turned football
and society on its collective ear. And, from the moment the Jets upset the Baltimore Colts in the Superbowl, I was
sold. I had faith that these unlikely heroes would replicate their moment of greatness.
Kathy understands my faith in the Jets. She knows I can be openly mocked and ridiculed without
fear of reprisal or reprimand. Week in and week out, in pre-season or post, Kathy sits with me to
cheer or jeer my beloved team. We have been together more than a decade now and she knows
my faith is rock solid.
Let's be clear, it is faith, not extremism. I wear Jets shirts and monitor news about my team, but
there is no face painting, no smack talk with random strangers and I have been known to play
with the boys and walk Ting during half time.
As Americans enter this blessed time of year, we of good faith recognize one another. My friends whose
hopes and dreams have been dashed are given an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. Whether
they are fans of the Giants, the Redskins or even the Steelers, they are all equal for they all have
faith.
The NFL tests our faith, pure and simple.
My faith will, once again, be tested. The test takes place in Cincinnati. Yet, I believe that my
New York Jets will be victorious and march on towards the Superbowl and destiny!
And, should they fail, there is always next year.
Quo fata ferunt!
