A few years ago now, I left my home of Pittsburgh for my birthplace of Philadelphia - and I have to tell you, I've missed it every day since. I miss eating pierogies, wading in the rivers, wandering around the neighborhoods and chatting with every local who looked my way. I grew and became a man there, and it holds a wonderful place in my heart.

In a mere 8 years' time, I saw the city transform from a sleepy husk of a city to a vibrant, electric place full of life, art, joy and most importantly, VICTORY.

That's why, when I received my gift from my secret santa, I smiled wide - it was a t-shirt that said "I don't believe in miracles; I believe in PITTSBURGH."

That phrase was a capsule of everything about the city that made me fall in love with it: the people, the determination to be something again, and most importantly, the ethic to roll up your damn sleeves and get to where you need to be through hard work and determination.

To my secret santa - thank you! This shirt RULES.