Yoi!

I learned some very sad news while at work today - Myron Cope, the long-time, much beloved announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers died this morning. Around lunchtime, I clicked onto AOL to check my email and saw the words "Terrible Towel Creator Dies" and I instantly felt like the breath had been knocked out of me. At almost the same instant, my cell phone beeped with a text message (and I rarely get them) from son Greg, sharing the news. I spent the next 1/2 hour or so reading about this tragic loss online at various Pittsburgh news websites, with tears rolling down my cheeks. Myron, the voice and the spirit of the Steelers, was so much a part of my life for so many years. While I was growing up, my grandfather always listened to the games on the radio, so Myron's unique voice was a fixture in our home. After Kevin and I married and moved to Pittsburgh, we were part of the Steeler Nation, as the team won Superbowl after Superbowl in the late 70's.

It's difficult to explain to people who've never lived in Pittsburgh, but there is such an incredible "oneness" to being a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, a strong sense of community and desire to belong to this cult. During my last trip to "the Burgh" last fall for a wedding, I met a friend for brunch at Eat 'N Park, a local restaurant's chain (another thing I miss!), and it happened to be the home opener for the Steelers that afternoon. At 10 AM, cars were already in the parking lot of Heinz Field with people tailgating before the game. EVERYONE in the restaurant that morning (except me and daughter Becca) was wearing a Steeler shirt. I felt very under dressed. And THAT'S an example of the spirit of Pittsburgh.

Myron Cope had a lot to do with developing that spirit - he invented the "Terrible Towel" plus so many Cope-isms.

I have my Terrible Towel hanging in my office, draped with a black ribbon, as my symbol of mourning. No one else in the office understands or gets it, and they think I'm crazy, but I don't care.

It's a sad, sad day in my beloved 'Burgh. And the sadness is truly felt around the world.

In Myron's words, Yoi! Double Yoi! Triple Yoi! I wave my towel for you.