Well, where do I start?
Played football here in town with an ex-pat who supported Everton. Didn't know jack about them until meeting him. Then come to find out that Joe-Max Moore played for Everton and I was big on following American players in Europe.
One thing leads to another and bingo bango, I'm chosen.
Started in '98 under the last few years of the Walter Smith reign and that was rough but when Kenwright hired Moyes, I didn't know who he was at all. Once I saw the presser and he had the "People's Club" quote, I knew he was the guy for the job.
The one thing over the years that has struck me about Everton and what stands out between us and all of the other clubs can be summed up in one word:
Class
There's something about Everton, their history, the players they've had play for them, their supporters, etc... that just fits. Again, the chosen part comes to mind. Everton doesn't have the arrogance that many of the other clubs and their supporters have. We hate losing but we're gracious losers as opposed to other clubs. Our manager doesn't blame everyone else when things don't work. Our players aren't "Big Time Charlies" as Lee Carsley once said. Our supporters are good sensible people. Not glory hunting bandwagon fans that you see so many of. When I see someone wearing an Everton shirt here in the States, I KNOW they support Everton and that they can name the starting lineup. They sure aren't wearing it as a fashion statement.
And yes, as someone asked earlier, even when Donovan is gone, you'll find yourself waking up early every Saturday or Sunday morning to watch Everton play.
Meanwhile, I support the club, my kids are learning to support the club, and everyone who knows me knows about Everton Football Club.