The 14th Anniversary Of The 2009 NFC Championship Game

I knew I could never afford those tickets at the time. I was slightly depressed because a lifelong Saints fan I knew what it meant. Then another lifelong Saints friend of mine called me and asked me if I wanted to go. I told him there was no way because my kids were little at the time and I couldn't justify the money. He said, "What if I pay for the tickets and you pay for the hotel and food?...we HAVE to go to this together!" I didn't even hesitate..."I'm in!!" I landed in New Orleans and he was waiting for me at the airport. There was already electricity in the air and it was so good to see him again. What a surreal time that week was. We spent the whole week in New Orleans taking it all in. We were out every night in the French Quarter. Making new friends....eating the amazing food....karaoke....getting up the next morning to bloody Marys...and then doing it all over again. We were having the times of our lives. I remember a day before the game a Vikings friend of mine texted me to taunt me. I said, "I've been in this city for a week now and I have felt the energy. There is NO way you guys are gonna win this one!" And then when Hartley's kick sailed through I had tears streaming. I turned to my friend and he was also bawling (we were not the only ones.) We hugged each other and just took it all in. Truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.