Like quite a few others, I've only discovered this thread today and I have to say it's taken a long time to get through these spell-binding posts. I made a pathetic attempt to read out
@Wheelsy's sublime post to my mrs, but had to give up as I literally couldnt get the words out. I don't think I've ever read a more accurate depiction of any event in my life. To capture the emotion, the sheer relief and the sense of spine-tingling pride in a few paragraphs is some achievement my friend.
Forgive the following ramblings of this currently over emotional wreck of a man, but I just need to share my story.
I lost my Dad 10 years ago to cancer. His last game was the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, when Sergio scored his stunner from that ridiculous angle. He'd only told me of his diagnosis on the way to the match, but already I knew he wasn't right. He ended his days in Clatterbridge Hospice on the Wirral. There were 2 other guys in his room, one was Lancs coach Glen Chapple's Dad and the other was the most amazing Evertonian, John. We got quite close to his family (all Evertonians) as we waited for the inevitable demise of our loved ones to that bastard of a disease. Ironically, after a couple of weeks of bedside vigils had passed, City were playing Everton at our place and one of his sons asked me if I could get his Dad a matchday programme, which of course I was delighted to do. Like the idiot I am, and as someone who never buys a programme, I thought I'd get one after the game. Could we find one, not a chance. Me and the bro-in-law were in a blind panic, getting more and more upset about the prospect of letting him down.
So, we went to main entrance and told a City member of staff our plight, he told us to wait where we were. 20 minutes later, sweating profusely and out of breath, he came back with not only a programme, but the matchday team sheet signed by Roberto and David Moyes, pin badges, half n half scarf (I know, I know) and a club tie. Absolutely outstanding and typical of our club in these sad circumstances.
To my eternal pain and regret, John passed that night. We returned to the hospice the next day, bearing gifts he never saw. His family however, in their grief, waited for us to arrive and we shared a heart-wrenching few minutes in honour of the man and they gladly accepted the gifts on behalf of their Dad. To say they were chuffed would be the understatement of the Century.
Those gifts from City are still proudly displayed on their mantlepiece and we've remained friends ever since.
My Dad passed a few days later.
The first message I got after the final whistle at the Ataturk was from my Evertonian brothers, God bless 'em, who were cheering the Blues on and raising a glass to 2 great Dads. I was a wreck and completely overwhelmed, but overjoyed they'd thought of my Dad, his team and his son at that time. Truly humbling and something I'll never forget.
Thanks for listening folks, love and peace to you all and especially to those we've lost x
