I don’t remember much about what was going on in my life eight years ago. I don’t remember how I was doing in school. I don’t remember which girl(s) I had a crush on. I don’t remember what kinds of problems my family was dealing with. Those things aren’t important to me now.

What I do remember very vividly is that almost exactly eight years ago, I was sitting in the living room with my dad and my older brother, watching the Seahawks NFC Championship game against the Panthers. I remember Paul Allen raising the 12th Man flag. I remember high-fiving and embracing my brother and my dad after every touchdown. I remember celebrating as our team sealed the victory. I remember Shaun and Matt holding up the George Halas trophy; we were going to the Super Bowl. I was a young Seahawks fan; I thought that moment would last forever.

It’s been a long time since then. Even as a young fan, I sat through some ugly moments and witnessed some equally amazing ones. I remember exactly what part of the couch I was sitting on and what position I was in just before Marshawn’s “Beast Mode” run. And I remember the two-man ruckus my dad and I created as it happened. I have no idea what happened the next day. or the next.

Over the past month or two, my family has been going through something of a financial crisis. My parents work at a deli in a building in downtown Seattle. They recently got kicked out by new building owners seeking to renovate the building, which has put them in a scramble to find a new job. It’s safe to say things haven’t been easy for us. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have been having an incredible season, filled with improbable comebacks, explosive plays, and graceful belly dances. Practically all we talk about in our family is the Seahawks. The sheer excitement this season has brought not only to us but to this entire city has helped us to, at times, forget our struggles and appreciate the fact that we can sit down and watch each game together, as a family. I don’t remember the problems we were going through eight years ago, but I do know that we’re here now, and we got through them.

Today, I watched the game with my dad and my little brother (my older one was at the game). We watched Paul Allen raise the 12th man flag. We high-fived and embraced each other after every touchdown. We celebrated as our team sealed the victory, and as Russell and Richard held up the George Halas trophy; we’re going to the Super Bowl. I’m still a young fan, but what I do know is this: these moments WILL last forever. I’m so grateful for my family, for this team, and for this city. Let’s go beat the Broncos!