At 11:38 p.m. Wednesday my phone rings, my brother is on the line yelling, "We won! Can you believe it?" Shortly thereafter my neighborhood was alive with fire works, illuminating the East Deering streets. As I watch the players on the screen and see the scores of people gathering in Boston, tears begin to stream from my eyes. The Boston Globe's Jackie MacMullen also writes about "tears of joy"

The Boston Red Sox have won the 2004 World Series! Dailysouthtown.com says the Sox had karma on their side.

The world looks different today. The sun is shining, the weather is sweet. It's brighter. I've got a smile wider than the Nile is long. I proudly display my baseball shirt and cap with the team's logo as I walk through the streets of Portland.

Everywhere I go people are talking about one thing. For the first time in over two weeks we finally get to laugh, without apprehension.

A nation no longer mourns. Perhaps we're a bit confused this morning. Our reaction time slowed by lack of sleep and the shock of victory. The edges of our character have been softened, if only for a brief period of time.

No longer will we hear Yankee fans chanting "1918." The "Who's You're Daddy?" question has been asked and answered. The curse (not that I believed in one) has been lifted. Bill Buckner can now rest easy as can Johnny Pesky (not that I fault either of these men for the failures of the past). The PJStar.com in Peoria says the Sox revelers are not all johnny-come-latelies

Yes, things are different. New England's psyche has changed. For 86 years we wondered "Why me?" Now we think "Why not me?"

The 2004 Red Sox will go down in the history books. They are the first team to come back and win a playoff series down 0-3. They are the first team to win eight straight playoff games.

In New York, the Post says the victory can be attributed to payroll differential. The Red Sox payroll in $130 milion to the Cards' $84. I can't believe I reading this in a New York paper, Wow. The New York Daily News cover reads "See you in 2090!" The Sox still get no respect in New York. Well, actually the New York Times gives Boston a little respect. It reports that new-age GM, end age-old curse. Theo definitely deserves credit. The 30-year-old has wisdom beyond his years.

It's curious. The players that contributed the most in the playoffs may not be in a Sox uniform next year.

Derek Lowe, at first delegated to the bullpen, won three decisive games, clinching each series. He is the only person in the history of the major leagues to accomplish such a feat. Who would have guessed that? Actually my friend Chris predicted a similar scenario. Canoe.ca calls it the Ultimate high for Lowe.

Chris also boasted the abilities of Mark Bellhorn long before it was fashionable to do so. He too is elgible for free agency. His blasts against New York and St. Louis forced fans to whistle a different tune about the second baseman.

Shortstop Orlando Cabrera's made big plays, some from the outfield grass and used his bat to prolong innings. We almost forgot about a certain No. 5, who once played that position.

Pedro Martinez, struggled in his last three regular season games, only to return to 1997 form in the playoffs. The Portland Press Herald's Kevin Thomas writes about Pedro's postgame interviews.

We witnessed some great plays and leadership by Jason Varitek. He worked diligently with the pitchers to come up with the perfect road map to victory. is there a better catcher in the bigs?

Truth be told it was a team effort. Only a team could face adversity, challenges and a so-called curse and turn it into a trophy.

The San Fransisco Chronicle discusses the available free agents in its World Series notes package. The Boston Globe writes end of Series brings lots of questions.

How can you not sign these guys? They are the World champs! They are the best Red Sox team of all time! But again I'm getting a little a head of myself.

What do we as fans do now? We are no longer seeking the evasive crown. We are no longer tormented by demons of the past. There is no sense of pending doom. ABCnews.com suggests the Sox have become just another team.

So it's over. I don't know what to do. First, I'll encase the "Life is Good" cap, hoping someday to get the 2004 Red Sox to sign it. Then look for another baseball team to support. Detroit may need our help. (Just kidding). Congratulations Red Sox, you have made the whole, vast nation very proud. Thank you. The only things that have brought me greater joy are the birth of my child and marrying my wife.

Reader comments: The Red Sox have finally won a World Series after a drought of 86 years. As fans, now what to we do?

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