Over the last couple of days, I have heard a bevy of complaints, afflictions, and downright depression from Saints fans. It seems that our loss to the Sea-hags spurred this infliction. If you suffer from any of the following, you may be suffering as well from PTSD, otherwise known as Post Traumatic Saints Disorder:
- You have an uncontrollable urge to travel back in time, make your groceries at a local Schwegmann's, decorate one of their brown paper bags with tears, and place it on top of Roman Harper's head.
- You are thankful that we are not going into the next round of playoffs without one healthy single running back. That would not be pretty.
- You find solace in the fact that the game didn't come down to a clutch kick from Hartless in Seattle.
- You find comfort that Indy lost to the Jets.
- You resign yourself to the fact that it's now time to pull for the Packers.
- You have spent untold hours convincing yourself that it was the Madden Curse and the shovel pass that destroyed our season.
- You have come to the realization that at least for another week, you have to listen to pundits drone on about the glories of Mattie Ice and those nasty, stinking pigeons from Atlanta.
- You have already reviewed the entire season and come to the conclusion that this foul season was for the birds, most namely the Pigeons, the Cardinals, the Sea-hags, and the Ravens.
- You are disappointed in getting eliminated from the playoffs and not excited that at least you made the playoffs.
- The phrase "There's always next year," has run through your head at least a dozen times since Saturday evening.
From what I have been told, there is no cure from PTSD. Saints fans have been in this dark place before, some spending over 30 years in total apoplexy. Apparently, it takes times, healing, and much soul searching to overcome this disappointment. I know that in the off-season, I'll be reviewing my wardrobe choices, what I served on game day, my game day rituals, and my previous postings. And, I'll be doing lots of reading: Black and Gold Party Gras, World Champs, Coming Back Stronger, and Home Team. And, I'm sure that I'll watch all the NFL videos regarding the 2009 season.
Until then, keep the faith and remember, there's always next year.
This article is cross-published in www.chicksinthehuddle.com.