The Drought is Over for Cleveland

The last time Cleveland has seen a championship team and win was in 1964. There has been a 52 year drought for the town, with their football, baseball and basketball teams coming up short. They have come close to a win but with the infamous drive, fumble, shot, and last inning let down - those elusive championship rings and titles were snatched from the teams and the town.

I grew up in Cleveland and have been a Browns, Indians, and Cavs fan my whole life, despite moving away from Cleveland when I got married. I have lived in Pittsburgh for almost 40 years and have lived where there have been lots of championships won by the sports teams. I know what a winning team looks like. I also know how it feels to cheer one on and have Mondays be happy ones during the football seasons. I have watched the parades and celebrations on the local television.

As a Cleveland fan…I have high hopes before the sport seasons begin, only to face disappointment and echo what every other Cleveland fan says, “Wait until next year!”

But last night was different. I watched the Cavs play the Golden State Warriors and when Cleveland was down 3-1 in the series…I wished and hoped for a miracle. I didn’t want to face another year without that championship feeling. Game 5, 6, and 7 saw a different Cavs team. I saw a different LeBron James. I saw pure determination and concentration on his face. I know when he left to play with the Miami Heat; I was upset and disappointed in him. I have come to realize, that he needed to leave and win championships. After two back to back wins, he came back home. LeBron, who is from Akron, Ohio, came back home and back to the Cavs. He promised a championship and he set one up.

Last night, I not only set my DVR to record the game but I watched it live and then re-watched it, again. I was nervous and when the last second ticked off the clock…I opened my window and screamed my head off. The drought was over, the curse was lifted and the Cavs brought home a championship to a city and its loyal fans, after 52 years. I finally found out what it meant to feel happy and have a championship team. It felt awesome and it felt good.

Thanks to the Cavs for that awesome feeling. But mostly, thank you LeBron for coming back home and fulfilling a promise!

Respect for LeBron

Win or lose, I have a new found respect for LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player. When LeBron left the Cavs a few years ago, I felt angry and disappointed. To be honest, I also knew that he would win an NBA championship with the Miami Heat.  I was jealous of that fact.

When LeBron decided to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and come back to play, I was leery but secretly excited. Here was the Akron, Ohio local boy, who was first signed by Cleveland when he was 18 and right out of high school. Now, the ‘prodigal son’, has returned and I, along with the rest of the Cavs fans have embraced his comeback and story.

I never thought he could carry this year’s team this far. I hoped but thought it might take another year or two to make it to a play-off game. I think LeBron’s maturity had definitely helped and set the tone of play for this team. While watching the team play, one can see the influence and camaraderie of the team itself.

During the play-off games, my admiration and respect for LeBron has grown. I have watched his face and have seen his sheer determination, focus, drive and desire to win. He has helped to bring the team this far. He has ignited his teammates.

LeBron is a pure physical machine. The look on his face during the games, says it all, no words are needed.

Win or lose, I have gained a profound respect for LeBron James.