Feeling Minnesota

I LOVE Minnesota.  Last night I returned from a quick trip to the land of 10,000 lakes  where we saw the Vikings roll over the Giants in US Bank Stadium.

I grew up in Minnesota.  As I was there with my brothers and a nephew, the memories came flooding back.  It’s sometimes odd the things that you remember.  Some are big things, but many are little things.

I thought about being a little boy, and the tree swing that my dad made for me out of an old tire.  I thought about being a teenager, and I cringed  (then laughed) when I remembered the same behavior I now occasionally see in my own teenage children.  I thought about the fall leaves, boating, digging snow forts, and ice skating.  I thought about the Minnesota State Fair.  I thought about Wayzata High School.

I thought about a previous Monday Night Football game I saw in the old Metrodome.  Jim McMahon torched the Vikings secondary after halftime to overcome a huge deficit and win the game.  I remembered that I cried afterward.  Perhaps it’s more appropriate to say that I sobbed after that game.

US Bank Stadium is incredible.  I loved every minute of the last 48 hours.  The Mall of America is still great.  I bought an old school Minnesota North Stars hat.

I could remember many things about Minnesota.  What was most surprising to me was the emotion.  Not for the places or the things, but for the people.

I thought about my mom and dad.  I thought about family and friends.  I thought about the people I was with, and I thought about people I haven’t seen in years (or decades).  I’m grateful for each of them.  Time has a way of healing wounds, erasing any pain, and leaving the positive experiences in place.

I probably haven’t said this to many of you reading this, but thank you.