Waiting to Exhale: How the Raptors took my Breath Away
Late last Saturday night was the first time I drew a breathe in a long time, specifically before game one of round two. Sure I existed and functioned, but I feel like I hadn’t had that good intake of oxygen. Hell, my hairdresser made fun of me for how badly I kept my hair.
Since 100-94, I felt that basketball had given me a bit of a reprieve for a couple of days. It’s been fun watching everyone get hyped about the finals and making room on the bandwagon for a few stragglers. I’ve had a few conversations with people where they explained to me the value of Kawhi or the heart of Lowry, it really has been fun. Even seeing the multitude of posts showing support for Canada’s newest sons has been heart warming. But it feels like the build up to my own ultimate battle.
I know I’m not playing but it doesn’t feel like that. Yeah logic and emotion have been taking separate cars for the last little while. You can tell me all you want that my desire for my team to win had nothing to do with that four bounce rim affair of a series winner. I’d meekly smile and admit you are right, not because I believe you, rather I just want the negative chatter to end. You could explain that the Raptors had no idea that they could not score before I showed up at my viewing pub or viewing area. It was just a coincidence that their first points came after I took my seat... for 3 consecutive games. Or during that amazing 25-3 run in the game six clincher, it had nothing to do with me putting my phone down and committing to fully focusing on the game and watching without distraction. I completely put my phone down when the comeback started and ignored it until the final buzzer rang and I got to watch the smile of Kyle.
As a teacher, I recognize when a student is listening to a lecture vs just wanting me to finish talking. If you try to convince me any of the above is false, I will become the latter. I am just waiting for your mouth to stop emitting sounds so I can move on.
So on the eve of game 1, I prepare to hold my breath for two more weeks. I have read all of the reports about how small a chance we have. I know we are the underdogs. I know Golden State is a vicious three headed all star monster who could develop a fourth head by game 3. But I feel the hope. Just like I felt the hope in the fall of 1992 or June of 1984. Just like when my idiot friend and I bought team Canada Jerseys in February of 2002 because Gretzky needed our help.
Yeah it’s dreaming. It’s dreaming to believe they can win 4 out of 7. It’s dreaming to believe Kawhi might sign up for Canadian winters.
But to quote Pete from Rudy, “Well, you know what my dad always said, 'having dreams is what makes life tolerable.’”
#wethenorth #goraptorsgo
