Dear Vegas Golden Knights,

Here we are, the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And – although I’d be ecstatic if you won the trophy – I’m OK if you don’t, because you’ve already given this second-generation native a great gift. You shined a light on something I’ve known since I was 5 years old and watched this city come together after the MGM fire; since I was 12 years old and watched this city come together after the Pepcon explosion; and last October when I sat on my couch, my dog in my lap and my husband racing to find friends trapped on the Strip, during the Oct. 1 shooting. You showed the world something I’ve always known, my hometown’s compassion and strength when it is more known for its gambling, alcohol and late nights. You showed the world the heart of Vegas, the true lights of the city.

The two events – the shooting and new Vegas Golden Knights Team – will forever be linked, and instead of shying away from it, you took it to heart. New to the city, you embraced it and its residents. I attended my first game in February and was surprised at my reaction. With tears streaming down my face during the National Anthem, I finally understood what it was like to have 20,000 fellow fans, neighbors, in one building. My friends and I are all fans of different teams – Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Patriots, Rams. We can finally be united. You are ours.

So, if you win the Stanley Cup, I will be front row on the Strip for the victory parade. The Saints did it for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The Astros won it for Houston after Harvey. And the Red Sox brought it home for Boston after the bombing five years ago. But if you don’t, I’ll still be front row for it all.

In short, from one Las Vegas native to another, thank you.

With love, Tiffannie

Tiffannie Bond is one of three Las Vegas area natives working at Imagine Communications.