My father, Michael, a lifelong Giants fan, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up idolizing the likes of Frank Gifford and Sam Huff and imitating them in the schoolyard. In his lifetime he has seen the team's horrendous struggles and misfortunes. He has also been there for the periods of prominence, like that of the late 80s and early 90s when the Giants won the Super Bowl twice, Lawrence Taylor changed the league and Bill Parcells established himself as a great coach, and one that would have a much sought after coaching tree (the two coaches in this year's Super Bowl, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin were both assistants under Parcells). This is the story of his trip to Super Bowl XLII, made with his childhood friend Paul, as told to me. August 2007: Making bold statements is easy when there is little chance you will be held to them. My father tells any family member that will listen, "If the Giants ever get to the Super Bowl again, I will go!" Saturday December 29th: The Giants lose to the Patriots 38-35, but not without giving them a scare. The game gives the Giants a sense of confidence, pride and momentum heading into the playoffs; although fan hopes remain low for a postseason run. Sunday January 6th 2008: The Giants beat the Buccaneers 24-14 in Tampa Bay. Eli Manning wins his first playoff game and the Giants are already farther along than anybody expected. I do not wash the Giants shirt I was wearing for the game, beginning to consider it lucky. Friday January 11th: Two days before the Cowboys game, the Giants have nothing to lose. A road game against a team that beat them handily twice during the season-no expectations, no pressure. My father sends this message to his friend Paul: "If the giants win out (ha!) we should consider going to the super bowl (we're not getting any younger ...)". Sunday January 13th: The Giants beat the Cowboys 21-17 (Take that Jerry Jones! Take that Jessica Simpson!) and are headed to Green Bay for the NFC Championship Game. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/582179/super_bowl_xlii_firstperson_account.html
