UPDATE : Congrats to the 49ers and fans on your victory, it was a great game and even though I’m sad the Saints are out, I’ll be rooting for the 49ers to go the rest of the way!

Today my beloved Saints play my beloved 49ers in the NFC division playoff.

I know, you’re saying WHAT? Beloved 49ers?

Yes.

My daddy played for the 49ers for two years back in the early 60s before an injury forced him out of the NFL. My parents went to the inaugural Saints season in 1967 when I was just a glimmer in my daddy’s eye. I grew up loving Archie Manning and Joe Montana. I adored black, red and gold. I went to Superbowl XXIV in the Superdome and watched the 49ers beat the Denver Broncos like a drum.

I also started going to Saints games when I was old enough to drive and spent many a crazy day (and night) in dat Dome and on Bourbon Street. I remember The Aint’s, the Cajun Cannon, Bless You Boys, coulda woulda shoulda, Da Coach, The Dome Patrol and all the greats like Hilliard, Sam Mills, Hokie and so many others that wore the black and gold. My best friend Sue and I would take off on a whim from Picayune to NOLA, wearing our football outfits, armed with our signs, party cups and beads, knowing somehow we’d find a way into the game to Who Dat to our hearts content. (I was so excited I couldn’t keep my eyes open!)

I adore the 49ers.

I love the Saints.

My heart will always belong to my daddy, but my football soul?

Who Dat forever.

GEAUX SAINTS.

My heart will soon be back on the Gulf Coast, where it belongs. : ) The fact that I’m seeing my friends, both old and new, is just lagniappe. I drug out an oldie by Poco. It was “our song” and I think it’s mighty fitting. Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler…….

It’s getting to be about that time …………… this gulf coast girl is ready to go home !