Some would accuse me of being pessimistic but after Collaros threw that pick, my intuition told me heartbreak was coming. I sent a message to a friend, brace yourself as Montreal will plunge the dagger in late. Which sadly, is what came to pass.
I've seen the Bombers lose 7 out of 10 Grey Cups now, they've managed to do so in every way imaginable. Back to back losses in the 90s, when I was just old enough to remember watching. A taste of things to come. My father broke his arm falling off a ladder, as he was putting up Christmas lights, hours before our loss to Calgary in 2001. As he was at the hospital with my mother, my brother and I would sit and watch the offensive powerhouse be unplugged by a team with a losing record. In 2011, my first girlfriend had a family member who worked for the Bombers. This person was not well, so the organization flew them out for the game in BC. The Bombers would take the sword from old Wally for a third time, infront of a zealous hometown crowd. No cup for Bomber legend Doug Brown, the same fate as Milt. Her family member would pass away a couple days later. 2007 is best not talked about. Losing our starting QB and losing to THEM. The worst of the bad bunch.
2019 eased many years of pain. I'm more than thankful for that Cup. Especially as my younger brother was able to see it, he would pass the following year. I don't think there will be another that tops it. 2021 has somewhat of a fog around it, considering all that was going on at that time. Last year was a bitter pill. I hate losing to Toronto almost as much as I hate losing to THEM. Although I admit, I get a sick sense of amusement that the city who cares for their CFL team the least, wins the most titles. One wonders what might happen if they applied that to the Leafs...
For whatever reason, this year feels harder to take then all the rest. I didn't expect the Bombers to run roughshod over the Alouettes, although I felt they could. You'll understand why I'll never be able to head into a Bomber GC game feeling overly confident. However, I thought we'd go about our business and come out with the silverware. Perhaps selfishly, I attached an expectation on this team, to right wrongs of the past. Two didn't feel like enough before yesterday and it doesn't now. Two is better than none, in this case and for now, it's what I've got.
There really isn't much to say about the performance that others haven't said already. A text from my sister, simply reading "Ass af" was all that was needed. All I'll add is, not being able to get the stop on 2nd and 18 was a torturous viewing experience beyond what I could previously fathom.
Football really is a cruel game, especially when you love the Blue and Gold. The mind knows there is more to life than all this but try telling that to the heart. We go again next year, like we always do. Much love to all of you.
To end on a positive note, I really loved the fight I saw in Winnipeg boy Brady Oliveira. He scratches and claws for every inch on that field. He was one of the bright spots for us on the night and a winner in my book. I will also never forget being at the OT win against BC in Vancouver this year, with my family. (That is a story for another day)
It's those moments shared with family and friends, that have been ingrained in me ever since my father took us down to the old stadium as kids. Sights and sounds and smells I can recall as if they were yesterday. Despite all the sorrow, some of my most cherished memories are with Big Blue.
It's what keeps me coming back.
