NFC Championship Game
Monday 21st January 2008
at 03:56pm
What can you say about a day like today? Seriously. I’ve been trying to put it into words all night long. It was an abrupt finish to a season that most hoped would never end. It was a sad night as we watched the opportunities slip through our fingers. It was alot of things to alot of people.
My good friend Don, when talking to Giants fans at Curly’s after the game, put it very nicely I thought. When they commented on how well he was taking the loss he replied “You need to accept the losses for what they are and move on. Without the taste of defeat, the taste of winning wouldn’t be so sweet”. I know, I know, we still want to win every single game we play but deep down we know it’s true. Won’t we remember this game more than ever if we do go all the way next year? I think so.
For us, it was the culmination of our entire 5 month journey. As I watched Plaxico Burress burn our secondary, Brandon Jacobs bulldoze through our D-Line and the Giants drive the way they did in the 3rd quarter, I still hoped that something special was going to happen. I thought of the friends we had made, the good times I had had and the desires of everybody in this town that had been fulfilled through such an unexpected season. All signs pointed to a fairytale finish.
Something special did happen, just not for us.
I heard alot of people sounding off at the team after the game. The fact that the run wasn’t working, that Brett threw that last interception, that Coach McCarthy didn’t ice their kicker. I was most upset with the non fumble recovery with 2 minutes to go on the 50 yard line.
Personally, whilst disappointed with the loss, I couldn’t be happier with the season that we’ve (all of us) had this year.
If it weren’t for all of the great things that Brett did this year, one of the best in his illustrious career, we may not have even been here in the first place. The same goes for Ryan and the 1000 yards he gained in just 10 games. Without his massive addition to the offence we would have continued on our pass happy ways. Who knows what the predictability of that would have meant in the second half of the season? And it’s the same for Coach McCarthy. A second year coach that has a win loss record of 22 and 12, or, 18 and 4 in the last 22 weeks.
Can you believe that with the way things were just two years ago, including the start to last year as sour as it was, that we would win 18 of our next 22 meetings?
I look at things like that before I get too upset about games finishing the way tonight’s did. Isn’t it ironic that most of us came into the season hoping to win more than we lost, but, thanks to the way things panned out, we came into tonight’s game 100 percent convinced that we were on our way to Arizona?
I used my few hours before the game, with Kelly, to live the tailgate experience as best I could one last time. I had people I wanted to say goodbye to. Things I wanted to see again before I left. Photos I wanted to take. We were invited to hang out with the Oshkosh Packer Backers club and that was one of the most lavish tailgate parties I had been to all year. It’s too bad we only met them for the first time today.
As for the weather, I don’t need to tell anybody we were freezing. The fog on the camera and the impression it leaves on the photos like this one tells that story all too well. It was unfortunate that it was so cold ‘cause it seemed to keep the excitement out of the air. I was surprised as we first walked into the car park to see that it was only half full for the biggest game of the year.
Talking to people that were trying to tailgate though, it was pretty clear that despite their best efforts, it certainly didn’t seem worth the hassle. Hot food was cold, liquids were frozen and everything was twice as hard to do with two pairs of gloves and 6 different layers on. Darth Packer seemed to be doing OK though.
I was quite reflective this morning, well before the game was all said and done.
Now that the result is final, I find I’m reflective even more so.
I got to live the experience of being at Lambeau Field for not just 1 game but 10. 2 more than I could ever have imagined. I saw Brett break every major passing record that he could’ve in what was an incredible season. Even tonight, inclusive of the loss, had its milestones. It was the third coldest game in the history of the NFL and Brett’s touchdown pass to DD of 90 yards was the single longest postseason play from scrimmage in the history of the Packers organisation. How cool to witness both in one night?
We, as a family, despite the hardships we faced in the first 6 weeks or so, got to live a different life, on the other side of the world with no indication that it would be as wonderful as it turned out to be. We laughed, cried, made friends and learned to deal with the obstacles that were placed in front of us from the moment we stepped off the plane.
Tonight’s loss was unfortunate. Our 5 months here in Green Bay though was magical in all aspects of the word. Thanks to the kind heartedness of everybody in this town, the reception we were given and the experiences we have had, Kelly, Benjamin, Lucas and I will have memories that will last us forever and a day.
It might not take the sting away, but we should be grateful that we had what we had at a time when none of us, not you or I, expected it to happen.
Win lose or draw, can you ask for any more than that? I know I can’t.
Comments
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 04:27am
WOW...That’s all I can say! Everyone has been waiting for that post and it was well worth waiting for. Jennifer
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 05:01am
Wayne & family-
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I loved reading and watching your video’s. I have laughed out loud at your humor and cried for joy for you also. Good luck to you and your family as you venture back home. Keep us posted. Thanks again for bringing us along on your once in a lifetime adventure.
Amy
Pat
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 05:13am
My feelings exactly.When I went to work at the food pantry Monday,everyone {knowing what an avid fan I was}asked if I wasn’t depressed that day and I said “NO” I got to see 2 more games this year than was expected.Plus..we won more games than everyone thought we would..except ME,of course,I ALWAYS expect us to win.No one player has to take the blame for this defeat as the whole team seemed uninspired øn Sunday,maybe the pressure was just too great for a “young team.” We’ll try again next year!!!
Good luck to you & your family Wayne on your trip back home and I hope you’ll remember Green Bay,Wisconsin fondly.
When you start to miss the Packers,stop by my Packer poetry web site & I’m sure it will bring back memories.It’s at:http://maxpages.com/packers4u
I’m a cheesehead,yeah,no doubt about it
I’m a Cheesehed,yeah,let me shout it
Can’t wait for weekends in the Fall
When MY TEAM comes out to play football
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 05:29am
G’Day Wayne and family, You will be taking so many good memories home with you but you will also be leaving good memories here with the people that followed your blog etc. I truely hope you continue your blog when you get home and let us know how you & the family are doing.It would be fun to see some pictures of your home town and watch Ben & Luc as they grow. Best of luck and when I pull into a parking lot, I will call it the car park !!
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 06:32am
Thanks for the wonderful post. It gave me chills just reading it. Very nicely said!!! I am a proud Packer Fan and always will be. Thanks for visiting us. Please come back anytime.
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 06:40am
Wayne, Kelly, Ben and Luc,
I think Amy said it best.
Thank You for sharing.
Good Luck
God Speed.
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 07:35am
Amazing. Thanks for the perspective...and for inviting us all along for the ride.
Sheila
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 07:39am
I too agree with everything Amy said. This is my first comment I have left here, but I have been loyaly following your adventures from the beginning. Your enthusiasm for all that you have done and seen has definately been a highlight for me. It is amazing how much you have shared that many in WI have not appreciated. Thanks for your point of view and have a safe trip back home. May you have good luck in your future 
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 09:24am
I’ve been keeping up to date with your experiences here since I saw the news story on TMJ-4 Milwaukee back in September I think it was. Something you stated has stuck with me from that interview...about living the life you want to live. I just want to say thanks for sharing a bit of your lives with us. I hope you and your family have a safe trip.
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 10:43am
You said it all! Hope you put some Packer fans to shame with their criticism and sometimes unsportsmanlike conduct. I always have prided the fact that Packer Backers were 100% fans -not just when winning like fans of the Cowboys who disappear in the losing years. The Pack will be back and so will we. Thank YOU for being the biggest fan ever and seeing it all through your ever optimistic eyes.
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 11:30am
thanks Wayne, One of the packers said after the Super Bowl in ‘96 that ‘the journey is the reward’ im reminded of that every time i read your blog.
Hope we see you again at Lambeau in the near future. Best of luck to you and your family. Thanks again.
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 11:56am
Wayne,
I’ve watched your videos and read your blogs, and in all honesty, I think you are insane! But I also think that to be a Packer Backer there has to be a little bit of insanity involved! I was born and raised in GB, and now live in Atlanta. I have followed the Pack my whole life and have lived and died by their play. My family has had season tickets for over 40 years. But I have never in my entire life seen a more devoted fan than you and your family. It reinforces my belief in this team and this town! May god bless you and guide you on your way back home, and my the love of this team and their legacy never leave your soul! Although we never met, I consider you a friend and comrade in Green and Gold!
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 12:49pm
Hi Wayne, Kelly, Ben and Luc
I spoke to you for the first time in the depths of our shared disappointment Sunday night at the end of the game. All season long I have wanted to contact you, but did not, assuming you had your hands full with emails, kids, plans, etc. I kept hoping I would just run into you at one of the games, and we could strike up a conversation. When it finally happened, at the end of a huge disappointment, all I could say to you was that it had been a miracle season and a wonderful ride. I couldn’t get much beyond the sadness/shock surrounding all of us and mirrored in your face. But you and your family’s journey has been amazing to follow. I wanted to tell you that - for me, the bigger story has always been your conviction to somehow make your dream come true. I believe you have done this, and I also believe that you and your family will benefit from this conviction in ways that only time will reveal. You won’t remember me, we met briefly in section 108, patiently waiting to file out of a stadium in a state of shock. We are Packer fans living in Arkansas now, but we know what is special about being a Packer fan and are so happy that you conveyed this to so many people. Isn’t Wisconsin a wonderful place, filled with special people? Isn’t believing that a dream can come true, on the shoulders of a small-market town or on the wings of your heart, the most amazing belief of them all?
Have a safe trip and a wonderful return to your home. I hope to follow more of your life in Sydney, as I think your journey has just begun.
2 Arkansas Cheeseheads,
Jodi & David
Thu 24th Jan 08
at 12:49pm
What a wonderful last thought on it all. Gosh, I’m going to miss your blogs. Am starting to suffer withdrawal symptoms already. I hope you continue to post every now and then, as Carol suggested. We have all taken you in as family, although many of us have not had the good fortune to meet you and your lovely family. But we wish you godspeed on your journey back home. It was great having you here and hope you have the opportunity to visit us again sometime,..during football season, of course!!
Fri 25th Jan 08
at 04:48am
All the above, safe journey.
Fri 25th Jan 08
at 04:53am
Wayne and family,
What a joy to experience this season thru your eyes!!! Your “once in a lifetime” journey maybe finished, but you have left all Packer Backers with the wonderful knowledge that we follow the best team in football.
Best of luck in anything you choose to do in the future. Please keep posting your blog so we can all follow.
Fri 01st Feb 08
at 03:38pm
This is Darth Packer (from the pic above), I was ok after the game, we had a great season and can’t wait until next season! WE’VE HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!!!!
Fri 04th Apr 08
at 08:57pm
One of the best things a father can do for his sons is to instill in them a love for the Packers. I know you have given it your best...and hopefully we will see Ben and Luc around these parts in 25 years or so!
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at 07:03pm
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Fri 28th May 10
at 03:05pm
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Tue 08th Jun 10
at 08:18pm
I don’t think either will run the table. Once one of them has home field locked and the other has the #2 seed locked, they will rest players for the playoffs most likely.
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Wed 23rd Jun 10
at 01:35am
it’s true we had a great season and can’t wait until next season! WE’VE HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!!!!