Fair weather fans ...

9.23.11

I stopped at my favorite VP to get my breakfast of champions – a 44 oz diet coke ? As I was checking out, the clerk complimented my Colts shirt but then added "Kinda hard to wear it this season, huh?" I smiled and walked away...

But the more I thought about it – the more bothered I got. A true fan supports their team during wins and losses. They cheer when their fav QB is on the field and when he's off. And they keep wearing the team colors, even when the season takes a stumble.

I think human nature is somewhat wired to be a "fair weather fan". Think about it – when things get tough or stressful or overwhelming... isn't your first instinct to bail? To cut your losses and focus your attention elsewhere? Or, at the very least, bad mouth it? Somehow pushing down on whatever disappoints or overwhelms us seems to lift us up – however temporary the lift may be.

I think the Colts have done amazing things for this city – and for the state.

On the field, they've given us something to cheer for. They've inspired us with their 4th quarter comebacks. As they've built their team up, they've shown us what can be accomplished with desire and talent and dedication.

Off the field, they've individually donated their time to local charities, or even started their own. They've invested personally in our community. Case in point – just by putting his name on our local children's hospital, Peyton Manning has brought the struggles of children with illness and disease into the spotlight. And he doesn't stop there – I've personally witnessed him making rounds at the hospital, greeting the children; sometimes even handing out an autograph or two. Talk about helping out someone who is down. Ask a mother who has a child battling cancer, what it meant when Peyton Manning dropped by unannounced for a visit. I doubt she would even mention their current season standings. I bet she cheers just as loudly this coming Sunday.

Yes, it's disappointing that Peyton is injured and not on the field. Yes, it's hard to see our beloved team struggle. But one rough start to a season certainly does not erase all the previous victories and accomplishments, nor undo the good they've done in our community.

Let's change human nature – we are humans, after all, and we do control our own destinies. When someone falls, instead of kicking them down further, let's extend a hand and ask "how can I help?" Because, sooner or later, at some stage in this game we call life, we will all experience being the one knocked to the ground. And when we do – we will realize that it's a long, hard battle to get back up, especially when you have to do it alone.