I am Cleveland.

I am Cleveland.

I know heartache. I know what it's like to see more vacant spaces for lease than actual businesses. I know empty parking lots that used to be full. I know rusted semi's that no longer move freight. I know picket lines. I know Unemployment lines. I know how to tell someone they are being laid off. I know the feeling of hugging someone who just heard that news. I know how to watch an entire sporting event with my head down. I know where 'rush hour traffic' went. I know the current Unemployment rate. I know a shrinking city. I know the look on a child's face when they look at me and wonder why I'm so sad after a game. I know punch lines, all of them. I know being the other team in a highlight reel. I know how the movie Major League really ends. I know Jose Mesa, John Elway and Micheal Jordan. I know what it's like to avoid ESPN for weeks at a time after a series. I know bewilderment. I know to 'wait until next year'. I know the definition of; almost, so close, choke and "here we go again". I know let downs, factory shut downs and thumbs down.

I also know heart. I also know fortitude. I also know curses can be broken. I also know camaraderie. I also know what a real day of work is. I also know how to keep my chin up. I also know the value of 1 second on a shot clock. I also know Bob Feller, Jim Brown and LeBron James. I also know that 'next year' will be here sooner than you thought. I also know the value of a handshake. I also know team work. I also know it's never over until it's over.

Do you?

I am proud to be Cleveland.

Are you?

image courtesy of cleveland.com