I grew up a Celtics fan for the first ten or so years of my life. That first decade or so, one of my biggest dreams was to see a game at the Garden someday.
In '88, I adopted the Hornets when they came to Charlotte, and cheered for them fervently -- even until the bitter end. My dad and I were there for the first ever game -- a 40 point-loss to Cleveland. We were there as the entire crowd gave the home team a standing ovation louder than just about any I've ever heard (
for a forty-point loss, folks!). That was magical. I wished I could be there for the last game too, but somehow it wasn't right without my dad (like just about any sporting event nowadays).
I accepted the Hornets with all my heart, but I never lost my passion for the Celts. They were my dad's team for most of his life, and they were the first of
any pro sports team that I ever gave a hoot about.
Well, as of last night, I am now a Celtics fan again.
And, I know that someone is looking down from above with an approving nod....
<img border="0" alt="[Cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/cheers.gif" />
-JD