A great day. I had to coach my daughter's football team that day and could not watch the match except for the first 10 minutes or so. And it did not look good then. I had my son stay behind and give me updates. At HT in my daughter's game, he texted "1-0. Yayaaaaaa!" and I jumped around on the sideline like a mad thing in front of some bemused 10 year old's and their parents. So I gathered myself and sent the team out. (We won 4-2 BTW). As internet was spotty at best out there, I kept texting my son: 'What's the damn score? Is it still 1-0? etc." No response. I felt like killing him. Even though it may have been some bad signal... Anyway, usually I would bring the girls out for doughnuts after a game but this time I delegated it to one of the parents - "Sorry but this week, I really have to go!" Game ended; pleasantries completed. Raced home. My son was sitting in front of the TV with a big shit-eating grin. I screamed at him: 'WTF? Did you not get my texts? Who won?..." He looked a bit confused at first.
Then he just smiled and said: 'Did you not get my texts Dad? We did it. We did it." First time I had ever heard him say "We" when it came to City. I didn't care about missed texts then...
I shed a little tear. Actually quite a few. I knew then that we were at a turning point. A tipping point really. And I was able to reschedule my daughter's game the day of the final. Wasn't missing the chance for our first trophy in 35 years.
The final was cathartic. My kids and I did the Poznan in our living room. But this game was really where it all began. Wish I had seen the whole thing live, but I saw my little girl score a cracker instead. Best of both worlds I think. Just a great great day.
Oh yeah. Almost forgot: fuck you Rio. :)